By JOHN SAKALA
Nchanga Member of Parliament Chali Chilombo has implored government to expedite the sale of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) so that Chingola can awaken from economic slumber.
Speaking during a mini rally at Chilemba market in Kapisha, Mr Chilombo said the economic activities in Chingola evolve around KCM and when KCM goes down, the town goes to economic slumber.
He said the major challenge facing his constituency at the moment is youth unemployment which is as a result of less activities at KCM.
The Nchanga Law Marker said the lack of vibrancy at KCM has affected even marketeers who depend on KCM miners or contractors to buy from them.
He said prior to the takeover of KCM by the Liquidator Milingo Lungu, Vedanta had retrenched nearly all underground contracted miners.
“Though the Liquidator has started recalling some of these miners but the condition of service have remained static,” he said.
Mr Chilombo also told Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo who was at the mini rally that Nchanga marketeers have never been considered for marketeers’ empowerment fund.
He said he has been hearing of marketeers empowerment fund but those from his constituency have never been considered.
Speaking at the same function, Copperbelt PF Provincial Chairperson Nathan Chanda thanked Nchanga MP for the initiative of organizing a mini rally.
Mr Chanda said his executive will soon organize a come together rally for the entire province where key PF members from the central committee will be the main speakers.
He said the purpose of the rally will be for key members of the party to explain why mealie meal prices have kept on surging and why power is over rationed among the key issues.
And Mr Kampyongo said in two weeks’ time, mealie meal prices will reduce.
He said roads in Chingola have been done and he can now move with a head up but he would be happy when mealie meal prices reduce.
