By AARON CHIYANZO in Chinsali
THERE is nothing sinister about the acquisition of Mopani Copper Mines shares by the State, President Edgar Lungu has said.
President Lungu said Government would takeover businesses whose investors fail to adhere to set guidelines.
He said the wholly takeover of Mopani by the State was in the nation’s interest.
The President said this during a meeting with the Chinsali Pastors Fellowship at Kapasa Makasa University yesterday.
“We have heard some people saying many things about Government acquiring a 100 percent stake in Mopani, but I want to say that there is nothing wrong with that. If investors fail to follow our rules, we will take over the business and run it ourselves,” he said.
And the President also announced that about K50 million had been reserved as a stimulus package for the clergy in responding to the economic shocks of the Covid-19.
He observed that the clergy like many others had been badly hit by the economic effects of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, a representative of the pastors’ fellowship, Gideon Chibwe said the clergy in the district would continue supporting and working with the government.
The President said this during a meeting with Chief Nkweto and Chief Mubanga at Kapasa Makasa University.
And speaking in an interview on Delight FM in Chinsali President Lungu said acquisition of Mopani had saved thousands of jobs as Glencore wanted to put mine on care and maintenance.
He said it was an insult to say that Zambians cannot run mines, stating that Zambian’s mine experts in Canada and Western countries would help to run the mines.
