Lafarge Zambia has launched a new community initiative called Lafarge Foundation which will support local projects in Chilanga.
Lafarge Foundation has since pledged to spend 2 million over a period of three years to support community projects as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility.
The Foundation will have its own bank account and will be managed by an independent panel of imminent persons and some members of staff at Lafarge.
The launch of Lafarge Foundation was graced by First Lady Esther Lungu and held at Twangale Park in Lusaka.
Lafarge Zambia Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Rigaux said the launch of the foundation is a demonstration of the company’s long term commitment to the development of Zambia.
‘As part of Lafarge’s specific CSR programme and also to complement the expansion programs we are launching at our two plants, we are working with several partners to set up a vocational training school. This school will focus on development of skills in fields such as mechanical, electrical and automation,’ Mr Rigaux said.
He announced that the graduates from this vocational school will be certified by TEVETA adding that the objective is to create a pool of highly skilled Zambian youths able to undertake such construction projects as the Chilanga Cement plant expansion project.
‘Since 2001 when Lafarge came to Zambia, we have supported many projects and changed many lives through our initiatives for schools, housing and community health in Chilanga, Ndola and beyond. Time has now come to give a new dimension to our CSR, fully aware of the duties we have to God and the people of Zambia,’ he said.
Under the Foundation, Lafarge is also partnering with USAID’s Saving Mothers Giving Life Project.
And First Lady Esther Lungu who was guest of honour urged government to consider education for sustainable development.
Mrs. Lungu noted that education for sustainable development enables learners to attain knowledge, skills and values that shape the future of the country to eradicate poverty, HIV/AIDS for a sustainable environment.
The Kwacha has continued going down even after breaching the K7, 000 per USD line.
Today, (Thursday February 19, 2015) one USA Dollar is selling at K7.1292. A British Pound is going for K11, 019. To buy One Euro you need K8, 141
Just yesterday, one USA Dollar was selling at K7000 Zambian Kwacha (or K7 PF currency) in most commercial banks.
In Bureaux de change where many people buy foreign currency, one Dollar had reached K7.2.
One British Pound was selling at K11, 000 in most Bureaux de change. In commercial banks 1 Pound is going for K10, 800. ZANACO, FNB, Barclays are all selling 1 USD dollar above K7, 000.llllllll
If you are not going to comment on the relevant article then don’t comment at all! 1d!0t!
We need more of such CSR projects from the private sector. Well done Lafarge
And I have learnt that people are sloganeering: “Nangu Kwacha ipone, Ifintu Ni Lungu!”
This is nothing compared to what they would have paid in taxes if they were genuine and not using aggressive tax avoidance schemes. Wake up Zambia, there is nothing like free lunch. This is sugar coating their tax avoidance with a disguise of community care. Let Lafarge be open about its taxes and how much they pay in corporation tax. Malabish, boza chabe.
You seem to have data. Please tell us how much tax Lafarge has evaded in the last 3 years so that we put ZRA on the case….?
You mean you invite the first lady, and all the media houses to just announce that you are donating K2m for next three years (K666,000 per year). What cheap publicity stunt for a company that is raking in so much!. This is the type of money that Liato buries!!
This company is full of jokes. When it comes to community responsibilities, Lafarge scores last in the whole world. This is a company which can’t not unblock sewerage lines for its workers’ residency in Musamba township. It cant even done 10 sheet of asbestors for a school adjacent to its wall fence and yet they are posting abnormal profits year in year out. A company which can not even mend a pothole right in front of the main to their head office. They would rather sponsor a rugby team far away in Lusaka and yet neglect a social club for their own employees. Unless I see the K2 million which they are trumpling about, I will take this pronouncement as another of their PR scheme. This is a useless company when it comes to social responsiblity I tell you.
What corporate social responsibility! La Farge this is cosmetic real CRS is when you deal with the pollution you are inflicting on Chilanga. Not all of us can be easily cheated like these PF retards