By ALEX NJOVU in Kitwe
THE Emeralds Production Watch of Zambia
(EPWZ) has called on the Ministry of Home Affairs to conduct a clean-up
exercise in Lufwanyama and ensure that foreigners operating in the
district without work permits are deported.
EPWZ president Musa Kafimbwa said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday
that there are many foreigners operating in Lufwanyama without work
permits.
“The last clean-up exercise was done in 1984. Since then, it has never been done. We are appealing to the Ministry of Home Affairs to seriously consider conducting a clean-up in Lufwanyama and flush out all foreigners operating without proper documentation,” Mr Kafimbwa said.
He also said it is sad that foreigners are allegedly doing jobs which many Zambians are qualified to do.
“We have many foreigners working in the mines, they have taken the jobs for Zambians. It is important for the local people to benefit from the resources in Zambia,” Mr Kafimbwa said.
He also alleged that some foreigners are harassing local people.
Mr Kafimbwa said EPWZ is concerned about the prevailing situation and hopes Government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, will soon address the situation.
“Some of these foreigners are involved in clandestine activities, they are staying in Zambia illegally. There is need for Government to do something about it,” Mr Kafimbwa said.
He also called on Government to put in place a monitoring mechanism on the sale of emeralds.
Mr Kafimbwa said the emerald sector is more viable than the copper industry and that it is important for government to take an active role in the management of the gemstone sector.
“What people must know is that the emerald sector is more viable than the copper industry, which is the mainstay of the country’s economy. We are losing a lot as Zambians when it comes to emeralds. Government must do something to reverse the current trend so that local people can start benefiting from the sector,” he said.
Mr Kafimbwa said the emerald industry can effectively contribute to economic development of the country if properly managed.
“The last clean-up exercise was done in 1984. Since then, it has never been done. We are appealing to the Ministry of Home Affairs to seriously consider conducting a clean-up in Lufwanyama and flush out all foreigners operating without proper documentation,” Mr Kafimbwa said.
He also said it is sad that foreigners are allegedly doing jobs which many Zambians are qualified to do.
“We have many foreigners working in the mines, they have taken the jobs for Zambians. It is important for the local people to benefit from the resources in Zambia,” Mr Kafimbwa said.
He also alleged that some foreigners are harassing local people.
Mr Kafimbwa said EPWZ is concerned about the prevailing situation and hopes Government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, will soon address the situation.
“Some of these foreigners are involved in clandestine activities, they are staying in Zambia illegally. There is need for Government to do something about it,” Mr Kafimbwa said.
He also called on Government to put in place a monitoring mechanism on the sale of emeralds.
Mr Kafimbwa said the emerald sector is more viable than the copper industry and that it is important for government to take an active role in the management of the gemstone sector.
“What people must know is that the emerald sector is more viable than the copper industry, which is the mainstay of the country’s economy. We are losing a lot as Zambians when it comes to emeralds. Government must do something to reverse the current trend so that local people can start benefiting from the sector,” he said.
Mr Kafimbwa said the emerald industry can effectively contribute to economic development of the country if properly managed.
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