By NCHIMUNYA MIYOBA
Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) has handed over market to government built at total cost K1.5 million for traders who lost merchandise in the July inferno.
And Mopani Copper Mines has donated K316, 000 as startup capital to traders that lost property in the inferno that gutted Buseko market in July this year.
Mopani Copper Mines Chief Executive Officer Chris Vermeulen said the permanent structure which was being handed over to government was built by Mopani and other partners as a way to try and help the marketeers who had their merchandise burnt in July this year when Buteko market was gutted.
Speaking during the handover of the newly built Malela market by Mopani Copper Mines in Mufulira, Mr Vermeulen said the move by Mopani is part of the company’s social responsibility aimed at empowering marketeers.
Mr Vermeulen said Mopani managed to collect a total of K158, 000 from partners such as contractors to help out in the construction of the market adding that the difference was donated by the mining firm.
And Copperbelt Minister Japhen Mwakalombe said government is committed to ensure that the private sector thrives by creating an enabling environment that is conducive for the private sector to participate in the economic development.
Mr Mwakalombe said the conducive environment that government has allowed has made the private sector to participate in the economic development thereby eradicating poverty in communities.
Mr Mwakalombe said Mopani has been an all-weather friend whenever government faces challenges and such a gesture will go a long way to alleviate poverty at household levels.
He said it is government desire to ensure that women especially those trading on the streets where there are no sanitation facilities are given dignity.
