LUMWANA Mining Company (LMC) has set aside US$400,000 in the 2015 budget for all its infrastructure community projects to be implemented in Senior Chief Mukumbi and chiefs Mumena and Matebo’s chiefdoms in the newly-created Kalumbila district.
LMC sustainability manager Brenda Tambatamba said the funds will be channelled through the newly-established Lumwana Community Trust (LCT) which will now be the flag bearer for all infrastructure community projects.
Ms Tambatamba said this yesterday at the handover ceremony of a three-room classroom block at Kipemba Community School constructed by Lumwana Mine through the Lumwana Development Trust Fund (LDTF) at a cost of K328,306.
“Today, the Lumwana Development Trust Fund has now transformed into an autonomous entity – the Lumwana Community Trust – which will now be the flag bearer for all infrastructure projects in the communities,” she said.
The LDTF was part of the obligations agreed in the memorandum of understanding signed in August 2005 between the three chiefs and Lumwana Mine. Its transformation will enhance the participation of locals in community projects.
She said LCT will be governed by a board spearheaded by Senior Chief Mukumbi and will have its own employees as well as Government representation to steer applications and all projects that will be implemented.
“We are now in the long-shot phase of the mission to make a difference among, and with you our community members. Your participation and contribution to the trust, everyone of you, is even more critical now than before,” Ms Tambatamba said.
She said the mining firm is proud to be associated with various stakeholders such as traditional leaders in the development of key infrastructure meant to benefit communities in its area of operation.
Ms Tambatamba said the construction of a classroom block at Kipemba is a visible milestone in the journey of providing quality education to the people.
And acting Solwezi district commissioner Muyobo Shimabale, who received the facility on behalf of Government, commended the mining firm for its contribution to the improvement of the education sector over the past eight years.
Mr Shimabale said over the past one-and-half years, LMC has been running 18 infrastructure projects valued at K680,049 and these include construction of science laboratories at Mutanda, Meheba and Mukinge secondary schools in the province.
Yeah,
Foreign investment developing Zambia. Filling the gap where the government cannot find capital to spend.
Hon Kambwili, please take note!
That’s the way it should be. Still the government is working by providing an enabling environment for such development.
Bravo ECL& The PF