From ALEX NJOVU in LufwanyamaDEPUTY Minister of Labour Ronald Chitotela has urged Kagem Mine in Lufwanyama to spearhead the construction of a high school and college in the district using resources generated from the gemstone trade.
And Kagem Mine director-in-charge of operations CV Suresh said the mine is discussing with various government agencies on the possibility of introducing body scanners to enhance security at the mine.
Speaking when he toured the mine on Monday, Mr Chitotela said it is important for the mining company to work with other emerald firms in the district to build a high school and a tertiary learning institution as part of its corporate social responsibility.
“I want you to move a step further in your corporate social responsibility and build the people of Lufwanyama a secondary school and a college which will be offering training in mining.
“Yes, you have built community schools and health centres but the people would be very happy if you built something bigger than a primary school. The people of this area have been crying that they don’t benefit from the gemstones which are mined in Lufwanyama, but if the mines work together to construct a secondary school and a college, people will be very happy,” Mr Chitotela said.
He urged Kagem management to come up with programmes that will help to develop communities in which the company operates.
Mr Chitotela said government is committed to improving the welfare of Zambians and that Kagem Mine should supplement such efforts.
He also commended Kagem management for investing huge sums of money in the implementation of capital projects which have helped to develop the mine.
Mr Chitotela commended Kagem Mine for working towards creating jobs for local people.
And Mr Suresh refuted reports that Kagem Mine has already installed a body scanner at the mine. “We have not yet installed a body scanner, we are discussing with various government agencies. How can we install a body scanner without government’s authority?” Mr Suresh said.
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