By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Socialist Party Copperbelt Province Vice Chairperson of Mobilisation, Reagan Kashinga, has criticised the government’s suspension of the announcement of potential investors to take over Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines (MCM).
According to Mr. Kashinga, this suspension indicates that the government does not prioritise the well-being of the people on the Copperbelt.
Kashinga expressed concern about the government’s handling of the mining sector and its impact on the people of the Copperbelt, who have been facing difficulties for the past four years. He emphasised that the delay in announcing the investors is harmful to the province, as mines play a significant role in its sustainability.
The Mines Minister, Paul Kabuswe, had previously assured the nation and the people of the Copperbelt that an investor announcement would be made. However, negotiations between the parties involved are still ongoing, leading to the decision delay.
Mr. Kashinga added that the people voted for the United Party for National Development (UPND) with the hope that they would bring positive change to the mining sector and prosperity to the province. He criticized the government for not respecting the wishes of the Zambian people and accused them of lying about addressing the challenges faced by the mining industry.
In response to the situation, Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe clarified that negotiations regarding the ownership of KCM and MCM are still ongoing, and a decision has not been made yet due to disagreements between the parties on several issues.
