KCM policy cheers minister

By ALEX NJOVU

 

MINISTER of Mines and Minerals Development, Kalombo Mwansa, says Government is impressed with the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM)’s corporate social responsibility policy.
KCM says it has spent about US$15 million on corporate social responsibility programmes this year.
Dr Mwansa said Government was happy with the community development projects the mining giant had implemented in its areas of operation.
The minister is on the Copperbelt touring community development projects that mining firms were undertaking.
Dr Mwansa said he was particularly impressed with the modern equipment at Konkola Mine Hospital and the rehabilitation of the roads in Chililabombwe.
KCM has rehabilitated 25 roads in Chingola and Chililabombwe.
“Their hospital is one of the best in the country.
They don’t only provide health services to their employees but also to the community.
They have spent about K2 billion on the rehabilitation of roads in Chililabombwe,” Dr Mwansa said.
Dr Mwansa, however, appealed to mining companies to consult members of Parliament, councillors and district commissioners on projects they intended to undertake.
He said it was important that MPs, councillors and district commissioners were consulted, as they would be able to identify projects that the community needed to be rehabilitated.
“These people will be able to advise KCM on which projects the community wants rehabilitated.
For future projects, it is important that MPs, councillors and district commissioners are consulted and involved in these projects,” he said.
Dr Mwansa called on the public to desist from vandalising infrastructure and urged the police to be vigilant in order to bring the culprits to book.
KCM resident director, Deb Bandyopadyhay, said the mining company has spent about US$15 million on corporate social responsibility and remained committed to the development of the communities where they worked.
Manager corporate social responsibility, Sampa Chita, said KCM had implemented several projects that were benefitting the local people.
Ms Chita said projects such as the construction of the children’s park in Chingola and the construction of the market in Chililabombwe would benefit people and that the company was committed to implementing projects that were intended to improve the welfare of the locals.