North Western Province Permanent Secretary Fabian Mumba says government is doing everything possible to ensure that the mining industry contributes the development of the province.
Mr. Mumba says contrary to assertions that the people in the province are not benefiting from the copper mining industry in the province, the people are happy that the province is developing at a faster rate.
He says government will continue encouraging investors in the mining industry in the province to ensure that they plough back some of their profits in communities in which they operate from.
Mr. Mumba was speaking when a delegation of Zambian Heads of Missions abroad paid a courtesy call on him in Solwezi.
He disclosed that another mine to be known as Kalumbila will this month be commissioned making the province the largest copper producer in the country.
Mr. Mumba appealed to the Zambian envoys to continue doing more to encourage foreign investors to consider opening up mines in North Western province saying there were still a lot of green field waiting to be explored.
“We are happy to be the copperbelt of this country because we are now seeing the benefits of such huge investments especially in the mining industry.
“We would even be happier if you as our ambassadors aggressively marketed our potential in not only mining but other sectors as well because we strongly believe we can do it,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary also commended the mining companies in the province for partnering with government to improve the welfare of the people in the province.
He disclosed that Kansanshi Mining Plc has allocated about K11 billon towards the upgrading of Solwezi General Hospital into a modern health facility besides the companies contributions in education and other important facilities.
Mr. Mumba also disclosed that in partnership with government and other stakeholders, the mining company will commence works on the expansion of Solwezi Airport to enable it handle bigger aircrafts in view of the increasing economic activities.
He said Lumwana Mines was also investing heavily in construction of clinics and health centers and other social facilities in the province.
He told the envoys that a number of well recognized businesses such as Pick ‘n’ Pay have also expressed interest in building shopping malls in Solwezi while ZCCM also intends to put up another modern shopping mall.
And Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Ambassador Lucy Mungoma called for increased partnerships between government and investors in North Western province to meet the challenges on the economic transformation the province was going through.
Ambassador Mungoma said this was necessary so that the pace of development is in tandem with the economic status of the local community.
She appealed to all investors in the province to work with government and contribute positively to the welfare of the people.
The Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary stressed that this was the only way people will feel part and parcel of the economic transformation of their area.
“We need our investors not only in the mining sector but all other areas to seriously positively contribute to the growth of this province in terms of infrastructure so that people can appreciate their existence in the province,” she said.
And Dean of the Zambian Heads of Missions abroad, Ambassador Dr. Inonge Mbikusita-Lewanika appealed to the provincial administration to encourage investors to invest more in education.
Dr. Mbikusita-Lewanika said investing in education is equally important because the sector is sustainable.
She said with massive economic development the province was recording, an educated citizenry is critical.
The envoys are in the country for a high level meeting commencing tomorrow at Protea Hotel in Chisamba.
ZANIS
Didn’t she check in the mirror how she is wearing her necklace? Is this the same woman who wore flip flops when she went to present her credentials to a head of state in europe?
Nice to see development is going to all parts of Zambia and not just Lusaka. This is indeed good news. It is also great to see companies doing more in CSR. This is great. At this rate, we wont be able to recognize Zambia by 2015.
Fabian Congratulations, I did not know you are now PS North Western
The ordinary people on the ground are not deing the development the PF is talking about. The roads are pathetic & Solwezi is a shanty. I have just come from there. Development will come when GRZ will start to pump 80% of the minining profits into the local areas there than taking all the profits to Lusaka.
#1 you made me laugh hahahaha oh my,people’s eyes can see hehe