President Hakainde Hichilema has announced a K10 million support package for marketeers in Chingola, as well as plans to hand over the Senseli Gold Mine and the OB19 dumpsite mining area, to small scale miners as part of efforts to promote economic empowerment and improve livelihoods.
Speaking during a public gathering in Chingola town on the Copperbelt province, President Hichilema said the K10 million fulfils a pledge made to traders affected by the Chingola market fire.
He directed that the funds should be managed transparently to ensure they benefit the intended recipients.
The President further announced that the government will allocate the Senseli Gold Mine and the OB19 mining area to small scale miners to increase local participation in the mining sector and create employment opportunities.
He added that municipal safety training for small-scale miners will commence next week, in order to promote safer mining practices and help reduce mining accidents.
President Hichilema also highlighted the government’s continued implementation of programmes aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, citing free education, increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations and the revival of mining operations as some of the administration’s key achievements.
Mr Hichilema pointed out that the revamping of the Konkola Copper Mine has created employment opportunities for the people in Chingola town.
Meanwhile, various aspiring candidates also addressed the gathering and appealed to the people of Chingola to vote for them in the forthcoming elections.
