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The Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) says it would meet President Rupiah Banda for discussion on developing the gemstone industry.
ESMAZ General Secretary Victor Kalesha told ZANIS in an interview that his association was happy with government’s positive response to discuss the matter saying it the State was willing to give audience to the gemstone miners.
Mr. Kalesha said his association would present the proposed development plan during the discussion to be held with the republican President.
Mr. Kalesha said ESMAZ was hoping that government would make available revolving funds that would enable the gemstone small-scale miners’ access funds to acquire equipment, among other things.
He added that there was also need to initiate pilot projects that would help develop the gemstone mining sector since the 30 million Euro loan facility meant for infrastructure development projects in the gemstone mining sector was last year suspended by the European Union.
Mr. Kalesha said the money had already been channeled to other developmental projects hence was not possible to recover the loan facility.
Mr. Kalesha has also urged Zambians with the resources to invest in gemstone mining sector saying it had the potential for growth and profitability.
The gemstone miners have for a long time been calling on the government to consider investing in the gemstone mining sector which is currently faced with financial challenges among other things.
The United Liberal Party (ULP) president Sakwiba Sikota says there is need to consider cost reflective tariffs to the proposed 66 percent ZESCO tariff increase..
Speaking in Lusaka yesterday Mr. Sikota said there was need to deploy a way in which the hiking of tariffs would not have a great toll on the local economy.
He said failure to implementing cost reflective tariffs would scare off investors adding that this would lead to investors being skeptical in recovering their investment in the country.
Mr. Sikota said it was important for the proposed tariff hike would bring cost reflective tariffs for a number of years to guarantee investors that it would be done at a cost effective level.
He said this would cushion and protect the investors as it would suit them and work in their favour
And Mr. Sikota says the 66 percent proposed hike was too marginal saying ordinary citizens would not be prepared to deal handle it was implemented.
He said the Zambian people would be in a position to cope with it if they were given enough time before it was introduced.
Recently ZESCO proposed a Electricity hike of 66 percent but this has brought mixed opinions from sections of society.
President Rupiah Banda is happy that Kansanshi and Lumwana Mines in North Western Province have sustained operations despite the effects of the global financial crisis.
President Banda said the two mining companies have continued operations despite the global economic recession which has forced many companies to shut down their operations.
The President was speaking when he addressed hundreds of Solwezi residents who welcomed him at the Solwezi Airport this afternoon.
President Banda has since thanked the people of North Western Province for supporting the mining companies he said have continued sustaining their operations in the wake of the financial crisis.
He said his administration is working hard to encourage the exploration of mineral and oil in the province in efforts of encouraging investments in the mining sector.
President Banda said government is determined to ensure that enhanced investment in the mining sector translates into improved economic status for the local people.
“May I take this opportunity to thank the two mining giants for continuing to work hard and sustaining their operations even in the wake of the global crunch.
” May I also thank the people of this province for supporting the two mines that they don’t close down as they continue to face the financial crunch,” Mr. Banda said.
The President also said that government will remain focused at implementing other development programmes that include improved road infrastructure and construction and rehabilitation of schools and hospitals in the province.
He said government has allocated funds the 2009 national budget towards the construction of roads, schools and hospitals in various parts of the country and North Western Province in particular.
Mr Banda said government will work hard to provide in all the sectors of the economy using the available limited resources.
He has since challenged the people at grassroots to help government monitor and supervise development projects by ensuring that funds are utilized for intended purpose.
Earlier, North Western Province Minister Joseph Mulyata said the people of the province were happy with the economic policies being implemented by government thereby making it possible for the two mining companies to operate well in the area.
Mr Mulyata said the people are positive that once the exploration of minerals and oil is completed more economic activities and employment creation for the local people will be achieved.
He also said that the traditional leadership in the province is willing to partner with government in efforts of promoting economic activities and alleviation of poverty in the area.
He disclosed that Chief Mujimazovu and Kalilele have since given government hundred hectares of land for development in the area.
Mr Mulyata further disclosed that the construction of a K14 billion hospital in Lumwana area is scheduled to complete in the next for months adding that the rehabilitation of the Mutanda Chavuma road is progressing well with a 300 portion already tarred.
President Banda is Solwezi to commission the Lumwana Mine Copper Project.
The Maureen Mwanawasa Community Initiative (MMCI) says it has in the past five years implemented community driven programmes with special focus on education, women, youth empowerment, water and sanitation among others essential in the country.
The MMCI also says it has established itself as an organization that has well developed competence in addressing issues that affect the vulnerable in society.
This is contained in a report made available in Lusaka today by MMCI programme officer Mildred Chumbwe.
Ms Chumbwe stated that access to drinking water and safe sanitary facilities remain major challenges in most parts of the country adding that existing water and sanitation facilities can not cope with the rapid urban population.
She added that MMCI has built an ablution and sanitation facility at Soweto Market adding that the organization unblocked sewer pipes at the Kapiri-Mposhi Market in order for the people to enjoy health facilities.
Ms Chumbwe said MMCI is doing well in activities such as Goat project with an initial capital of eight million five hundred thousand Kwacha adding that this can purchase about 425 goats at a time.
She added that this was donated to the Choma Environmental Conservation Center to distribute to 17 women’s club in Southern Province with each club getting 25 goats on condition that they transfer the first 25 goats born to another club.
Ms Chumbwe stated that education is considered as a basic right in the country despite its decline over the past two decades.
She however said the MMCI has structured its education component to education sponsorships and support to education in institutions and early childhood care.
Football Association of Zambia( FAZ) Vice President Emmanuel Munaile has hailed President Rupiah Banda for raising K 2.7 billion for the national team’s remaining 2010 World/ Africa Cup qualifiers.
Munail said the President’s initiative was significant in showing government’s commitment to the welfare of the Zambia National football team.
Munaile said FAZ will however continue engaging the corporate World to get as many partners on board for the Zambian football team to be in great heights.
Mr. Munaile said the President’s initiative underscores the significance of his government for football development and its success in the country.
He said it was FAZ ambition to ensure that the Senior Chipolopolo team qualifies for the Continental and FIFA World Cup finals.
And FAZ says the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under 17 four nations tournaments in which Zambia minted a Silver medal was good for soccer development in the country.
Munaile said FAZ would continue to organise many such tournaments to expose the young players to international football to enhance their competitiveness and abilities.
And Soccer Fans Association has commended President Rupiah Banda for raising K 2.7 billion from First Quantum Minerals ( FQM ) for the Zambia national soccer team for use in the remaining games of the joint World/Africa cup qualifying series.
Zambia Volunteer Soccer Fans Association ( ZAVOSOFA ) Patron Peter Makembo says his organisation was moved by President Banda’s gesture which he said was an indication of his passion for football in the country.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS sports today, Pastor Makembo has however urged Mr Banda to extend an olive branch to the soccer fans fraternity by performing a similar gesture to the supporters.
He said supporters also deserved an incentive adding that they were equally important as national team players saying football cannot be played minus supporters.
Pastor Makembo has since called on other corporate houses to emulate FQM and Zambia Breweries by coming on board to give the national team financial support.
President Banda raised US $ 475, 000 ( about K 2.7 billion) from First Quantum Minerals (FQM) for Zambia’s preparations for the remaining joint 2010 Africa/World Cup qualifier.The money would also be National Team coach Herve Renard and his assistant Patrice Beaumelle’s Salaries.
It was also announced that FQM would buy two brand new Toyota Hilux double cab vehicles for the coaches.
President Rupiah Banda is presented the report of the tribunal probing Communications and Transport Minister Dora Siliya from Chairman Judge Dennis Chirwa at State House
The Tribunal constituted to investigate alleged corruption and abuse of office involving Transport and Communication Minister Dora Siliya has concluded its work.
The tribunal has submitted the summarized findings and observations of the report to President Rupiah Banda.
President Banda has paid tribute to the Tribunal for its hard work it has done in investigating the Transport and Communications alleged abuse of office.
Mr Banda said it was gratifying to have a judiciary that is dedicated to work for the people of Zambia for justice unity and peace in the country.
The President was speaking when the Tribunal Chairperson Dennis Chirwa presented the summarized report at State House today.
Mr Banda told the tribunal that he will study the documents and will soon issue the statements to the nation as soon as possible .
And Justice Chirwa says it was a challenge to come up with a comprehensive report because of the many transcripts on the case.
Judge Chirwa said despite the challenges, the tribunal has managed to submit on time the report to the Head of State.
The tribunal was investigating allegations that Ms. Siliya cancelled a tender awarded to Thales Air Services of France to install radar equipment at Livingstone and Lusaka International airports.
Ms. Siliya was also accused of disregarding the legal opinion of the Attorney General prior to signing the MOU between Government and RP capital partners of Cayman Islands.
RP capital partners have signed an MOU with government to evaluate ZAMTEL assets before it is partially privatised.
ZANIS/AH/ENDS/MM
Faz has cancelled all league games for weekending April 18-19 to make way for the associations annual general meeting (AGM) to be held in Lusaka this weekend.
Association spokesperson Emmanuel Munaile said at the weekly Faz press briefing at Football House today, Thursday that the AGM that will be held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka over two days this weekend and will begin at 10:00 on Saturday.
“In view of the AGM, we have decided to rescheduled all league games so as to allow as many delegates to come and attend the meeting,” Munaile said.
“For the media, we would like to advise the media that the AGM will only be open for the opening ceremony.
“This weekend, the AGM of the Football Association of Zambia takes place at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka.
“In line with notices issued by FAZ, proceedings get underway at 10:00 hours. We would like to appeal to all delegates to come in time and carry with them their cards of identity.”
Meanwhile, Munaile revealed that this years recording of the Faz Premier division matches by rights-holders SuperSport will begin during the weekend of May 16-17.
The pan-African pay-TV satellite broadcaster SuperSport have a four-year deal with Faz to televise delayed top-flight matches that enters its second season this year.
And Munaile also disclosed that the European sports media and marketing company Sportsfive have secured exclusive international rights to all of Zambia’s 2010 World/Africa Cup Group C home matches.
Zambia will play three home qualifying matches on the road to Angola and South Africa against Rwanda and Algeria on June 6 and 20 respectively including the final fixture against Egypt on October 10.
Sportfive also enjoys rights to the Caf Champions League and through its new media online concern
Myafricanfootball.com enjoys exclusive rights to all five major Caf football competition’s.
And for the last seven years, Sportfive has enjoyed TV rights to market the French Rugby Federation’s international matches plus recently acquired TV rights for the 2014 winter Olympics and 2016 summer Olympics.
Zambeef is to spend US $16 million on developing it’s farm in Chieftainess Chiawa’s area.
The company said its dream is to become the biggest feeding company in the sub region in the next 10 years once development of its Chiawa farm estates is completed fully operation.
Zambeef General Manager in charge of the farm Rob Boucher told Kafue district Commissioner Winford Ngoma who toured the farm yesterday that the farm which will have 3400 hectares of land under irrigation will be one of the biggest farms in southern Africa.
Mr Boucher said the company is already in the process of completing the water intake and laying of irrigation pipes from the Zambezi River which will be supplying water to reserve dams on the farm.
He said $2.9 million United States dollars has since been spent on the water intake making it the biggest pump station in Zambia.
Mr. Boucher said 26 centre pivots have been installed and another 24 will be set up by next year to bring the total to 50.
He said the farm is already utilizing 2000 hectares of land where it is growing soya beans, winter maize and wheat.
Mr. Boucher also disclosed that the company this year plans to grow more winter maize from last year’s 940 hectares to 1160 hectares.
He said the farm is happy that it is contributing to the agriculture sector in many ways through food production and employment opportunities for ordinary Zambians.
And Mr Boucher also disclosed that the company will also construct a clinic in Kabwadu area as health services were very far.
He said with the increase in population, it was important that more social amenities are constructed so that people do not cover long distance to access them.
And Kafue DC Winford Ngoma said government is always pleased when investors put up such development as it is aimed at improving the welfare of ordinary Zambians.
Mr. Ngoma urged Zambeef management in the area to develop a cordial relationship with the locals as it was the only way the company will succeed in their endeavors.
He said government was looking into how a contractor can be engaged to repair the Gotagota Bridge which got washed away during the rain so that people can start using it.
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha has called on the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) management and its unionized workers to come up with a positive agreement concerning salary increments.
Lieutenant General Shikapwasha said ZNBC should recommend to his ministry on how best the issue of salary increment can be resolved.
He told ZANIS in an interview in Lusaka today that coming up with positive agreement was the best way to solve the salary increment problem at the corporation.
He said it was important that workers and their management at the corporation resolved their differences amicably to foster smooth operations of the national broadcasting station.
Lieutenant General Shikapwasha however refused to comment on whether the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has launched investigations in the alleged mismanagement of ZNBC.
Two days ago, ZNBC unionized workers staged a sit-in protest demanding salary increment of K700,000 across the board and the removal of the Director General and the management for alleged mismanagement of the institution.
Kansanshi Mining Plc and China Geo-Engineering Corporation Company (CGCC) have jointly donated K110 million to the Ministry of Education in Solwezi towards infrastructure development in the District.
Making the donation to the Provincial Education officer (PEO) in Solwezi today, Kansashi mine Public Relations Manager Godffrey Msiska said the donation was meant to meet the cost of school infrastructure development in the District.
He noted that the present number of schools in the District was insufficient in relation to the ever increasing population hence the need for more schools to absorb many children who needed education.
Mr. Msiska reiterated his company’s commitment of supplementing Governments effort in improving schools infrastructure there by facilitating a conducive learning environment for the children.
Receiving the donation Northwestern Province Education Officer Jennifer Malama thanked Kansanshi and CGCC for the gesture saying it has come at a right time when there are a lot of infrastructure in the District that need rehabilitation and construction.
Mrs Malama said the District was facing challenges in the educational sectors such as shortage of books, desks, and classroom blocks .
She called for concerted efforts from co-operating partners and other stakeholders in uplifting the education standards in the province .
Government has asked the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to help implement the Lusaka city master plan, which is aimed at urban development for the greater city of Lusaka under the vision 2030.
Lusaka City Council Director of Engineering Services, Bonwell Lwanga disclosed this during a press briefing in Lusaka today saying the local authority was now waiting for response from JICA.
Mr. Lwanga said under the master plan, the council will embark on water and sanitation, public transport and infrastructure and improved environment projects.
He said the three projects were part of the urban development for the greater city of Lusaka, which would among other things reduce traffic, decongest the city and developing other less developed areas within the city.
Mr. Lwanga said the projects will also include developing the surrounding districts of Lusaka such as Chibombo, Kafue, and Chongwe.
He said US$ 45 million will be required for the first phase of the project that will involve the construction of inner ring roads in Lusaka.
The Lusaka City Council (LCC) says the environmental assessment of the Lusaka master plan might start in June this year and the implementation will start immediately the assessment is completed.
The Zambia Wild Life Authority (ZAWA) is planning to translocate more wild animals into the Nsumbu National Park in Northern Province.
ZAWA Senior Ecologist, Chuma Simukonda, revealed that the plans to increase the number of animals in the Nsumbu National Park were in line with government’s enthusiasm to develop Kasaba Bay, which is situated in the park.
Mr. Simukonda revealed this in Kasaba bay when a team of Ministers, led by Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane toured the area yesterday.
He revealed that money has already been set aside for the translocation of wild animals from South Africa, among them 340 elephants.
“The population of some animals in the park is not health due to heavy poaching. This means that if we are to attract more tourists in line with government’s efforts to develop this area, we have to ensure the animal population improves,” he said.
He noted that animals that need to be beefed up include the Zebra, buffalo, sitatunga, eland, kudu and sables.
“We however will this year translocate 340 elephants, 150 buffaloes, 100 Pukus and 10 sitatungs. We did translocate some last year into Lusenga and this year our focus is on this park,” he explained.
And speaking in an interview with ZANIS, Nkamba Bay Lodge Manager, Philip Nielsen expressed concern at the extensive poaching activities in the Nsumbu National park where the lodge is situated.
Mr. Nielsen said the population of animals in the park was bad, adding that there was need for government through ZAWA to beef up the existing population.
He however expressed gratitude to government for its planned efforts to embark on the Kasaba Bay Resort Development project, which he said would enhance tourist arrivals in the area.
He said once the Kasaba-Bay Resort Development project turns into reality, the area would be the most preferred tourist destination in Africa, adding that it will also geographically enable tour operators in East Africa to link up with those in Zambia.
He has since called upon government to speed up its efforts towards achieving the dream for the project, which he said would not only benefit investors but create more employment for local people.
Lufubu River Lodges Limited, the owners of Nkamba Bay Lodge pumped in more than US$2 million to rehabilitated the once run down Nkamba Bay lodge in 2004.
The lodge officially opened last year and has a bed capacity of 27 and management is planning to put up more buildings.
Dr. Musokotwane’s team included Tourism Minister, Catherine Namugala, Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister, Felix Mutati, Lands Minster Peter Daka, Local Government and Housing Minister Ben Tetamashimba and Energy Deputy Minister Allan Mbewe.
The objective of the tour for the team was to inspect and familiarize themselves with the Northern Tourism circuit, whose special attention is on Nkamba-Bay Resort Development project.
The Nalikwanda being paddled to the Limulunga harbour
Walking, riding bicycles, canoeing and flying, thousands of people of different ethnic and social-economic backgrounds, thronged the capital town of Western Province, Mongu, to witness a very special occasion, the Kuomboka ceremony of the Lozi people.
Clad in all sorts of attire were revelers from near and far, from Kalabo, Lukulu, Sesheke, from literally all the districts of Western Province, from South Africa, Namibia, Japan, Angola, the United Kingdom, and many other countries, you name them.
The presence of Chief Mumena of the Kaonde people, Chief Nsama from Samfya, Chieftainess Kanyembo from Kazembe and Chief Bwalya Musonda also from Samfya, and above all, Zambia’s fourth Republican President Rupiah Banda who graced the occasion, signified the high esteem that is attached to the Kuomboka ceremony. Proprietor of National Milling…Cotton was also there.
ZNBC and ZAIN were equally on the scene doing their promotions of television licensing and subscriber wooing respectively. The Kuomboka traditional ceremony is over three centuries, according to the traditionalists accosted.
To lodge owners, the celebration of the Kuomboka ceremony was a great blessing in business terms. Lodge room rates suddenly skyrocketed to alarming levels. The smiling faces of the expectant spectators were transformed into sorry sights of sadness as they criss-crossed Mongu Town in search of cheap accommodation which was had to come by.
With a mocking smile on her face, one of the lodge proprietors …proudly told a group of public service workers from Lusaka that she was renting her six-roomed house for four million [ K4,000,000] ‘only’ to those interested in occupying it during the duration of the Kuomboka ceremony.
The poor public service workers disappeared from the scene without uttering a single word, but unfortunately wherever they ventured, they were not amused, as the scenario was basically the same, a K35,000 room suddenly tagged at 150,000, the one for K80,000 raised to K400,000, that for K250,000 lifted to K1,000,000. No wonder when it was time to go back home, most people’s pockets were full of holes.
However, the merrymakers were compensated for in a different way, the scintillating flamboyance of the colourful Kuomboka ceremony.
The ceremony was preceded by President Rupiah Banda’s touching down in a newly acquired Zambia Air force plane at Mongu airport at exactly 09;00 hours on Saturday, 11th April, 2009.
President Banda was received by a group of Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, many other high ranking government officials and representatives of the Barotse Royal Establishment. Also on hand to receive President Banda were MMD party members, youths, hundreds of local residents and traditional dancers who entertained the people present before the President talked to the crowd, preceded by a song of tribute sang by the MMD New Deal choir.
The President started by saying the new era in which Zambia has found itself is for all the citizens of this country. He thanked the Litunga, all the royal highnesses of Barotse Royal Establishment and all the people of Western Province for the huge support they gave him and the MMD, which saw him defeat the other presidential aspirants in the October, 2009 elections to enable him continues with the successes of the late President Levy Mwanawasa.
The President assured the crowd that good things were coming and that Zambians should be patient as the 2009 national budget had been announced two weeks prior to his visit to Mongu.
He assured the nation that this year’s budget was meant to address the problems of all Zambians wherever they are and that he would, together with his loyal Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and other leaders continue to respect and work for all Zambians, regardless of all the insults and bad things being uttered about him by those in the opposition and other circles.
President Banda urged the electorate countrywide to block bad, tribal and insulting people from governing the nation, by voting wisely. He called for continued peace and unity in the nation for Zambia to forge forward with its development agenda, citing some neighbouring countries where he said there is unrest and wars because of the absence of peace, love and unity.
The President further said although the construction of the Mongu/Kalabo Road will not be an ease task, it will nevertheless be accomplished. President Banda later an aerial view of the floods situation on the banks of the Zambezi River, which he described as a story of devastation involving the destruction of houses, crops and animals belonging to over 483,000 people.
At exactly 16;25 hours, on the D day, clad in the Lozi traditional gear, President Banda sat, surrounded by thousands of onlookers and dancers, waiting for the arrival of the Litunga at Limulunga. On both banks of the canal leading to the Litunga’s palace were dizzying crowds of people eagerly staring in the direction from which the Litunga’s big boat would come from Lealui.
At 16;41 two small canoes appeared at the corner of the canal heralding the coming of the Litunga. The two boats made a U-turn to report to the escorting the paramount Chief that all is well, the Litunga can proceed.
Soon the sound of the solemn big drums could be heard, accelerating the ululating and singing into top gear much to the excitement of the onlookers who included tourists.
When it was time for the moment everyone was waiting for, the Litunga’s royal boat with a symbolic elephant on the roof of the paramount chief’s shelter majestically appeared, paddled by more than a hundred powerful men including President Banda’s Political Adviser, Akashambwatwa Mbikusita Lewanika.
Following closely behind was the second boat ferrying her royal highness the Litunga’s wife sitting in a shelter on whose roof was a symbolic hen opening and shutting its mouth in a rhythmic manner.
In the third boat were the British Ambassador to Zambia, the royal family’s children and belongings. The three boats made three U-turns accompanied by frenzied drumming and singing before finally stopping to let the Litunga and everybody else disembark.
At the arena at the palace, the paddlers and the members of the royal family danced their lungs out, much to the enchantment of the onlookers, before the delivery of speeches by Litunga’s Ngambela, the Provincial Minister Adonis Mufalali and President Rupiah Banda.
The President described the Kuomboka ceremony as a master piece of oral and intangible cultural heritage for Zambia and the world at large.
He said he was happy to work very well with the educated Lozi sons and daughters and once more thanked the people of Western Province for their continued support, love and loyalty to the New Deal government.
President Banda reiterated that government was assessing the damage caused by the floods in Western Province and that relief supplies would be sent to the affected people soon to mitigate their sufferings.
Earlier, the Ngambela expressed happiness that the Barotse Royal Establishment was working was working well with the government.
The Ngambela thanked government for its timely response to the floods situation in Western Province and for the development programmes taking place in the region. He however appealed to the Government to do more for the people of Western Province.
Speaking during the same occasion, Western Province Minister, Adonis Mufalali said President Banda’s presence was a clear testimony of government’s serious commitment to the Kuomboka ceremony.
He described the Kuomboka ceremony as a unique showcase of the rich Lozi culture and the migration of the Litunga from the flooded Lealui to the higher Limulunga ground and appealed to government to consider the ceremony as part of tourist attraction.
The other dignitaries who attended the Kuomboka were the First Lady Thandiwe, Finance and National Planning Minister, Dr. Situmbeko, Labour and Social Services Minister, Liato, North Western Province Minister, Joseph Mulyata and Community Development Minister, Mike Kaingu among others.
It was the conviction of all the people that attended the ceremony that the Kuomboka is indeed the mother of all traditional ceremonies in terms of pulling crowds. The President returned to Lusaka on Sunday 12th April, 2009.
Chinese Collume Coal Mine (CCCM) Management in Sinazongwe district has appealed to government to assist the mine company in requesting companies that are importing coal from Zimbabwe to start buying its coal .
The two Director from CCCM shaft two and three Xu Zian Rui and Xu Quin said the company has produced abundant coal since it resumed operation in February after it was closed for one month.
The Directors told ZANIS in Sinazongwe in an interview that the mine has no market to sale its coal as most of mining companies in the country are importing the commodity from the neighbouring Zimbabwe.
Mr. Xu said the major customers such as Lafarge Cement Zambia , Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) and other mining companies in Zambia were importing their coal from Zimbabwe.
He said the coal price in Zimbabwe was even higher than the price they were offering.
The two Directors said the scenario was affecting the workers who have been temporarily told to stop working because they have produced coal in abundance.
Mr. Xu noted that the company would be forced to close the mine if the Zambian companies fail to buy the coal they producing as the mining company had no where to sale the commodity.
He said the Zambian companies should be buying the coal from them to protect local jobs and to assist in improving the country’s economy.
“The government should assist us to save the mine from collapsing and save the jobs for employees. At the moment the workers are not motivated because they have no money,” Mr Xu said.
Mayn Nchu the Manager for Shaft One said the failure by the Zambian companies to buy coal from them was affecting the workers and the operation of the company.
“We have too much coal but we have no customers and our coal here has a reasonable price as compared to the imported one,” Mr Nchu said.
A check by ZANIS at the mine found that they were no trucks waiting to buy coal as was the case some three months ago when trucks were queuing for the product.
The workers talked to said the closure of the mine in January affected the business as most of their customers placed orders to buy coal in Zimbabwe for period of six months up to June this year.
