Maravi

KCM to spend K1.7bn on 19 govt schools

KCM to spend K1.7bn on 19 govt schools
By Gweny Phiri in Chingola
Wednesday May 07, 2008 [04:00]

KONKOLA Copper Mines (KCM) will spend close to $500,000 (over K1.7 billion) to assist 19 government schools in Chililabombwe, Chingola, Kitwe and Nampundwe with equipment and support for learning. And Copperbelt permanent secretary Jennifer Musonda has said the new tax regime for the mining sector is not meant to punish the mine investors.

KCM resident director Deb Bandyopadhyay said his company had already purchased 300 computers and 19 printers that were now being installed in the schools.

He said the company also undertook electrical repairs in the 19 school’s computer rooms.
Bandyopadhyay said KCM had installed new desks and chairs in most of the computer laboratories at the schools and employed 21 Information Technology (IT) staff to provide a 5-year maintenance support to the institutions.

He said computer skills were vital in the knowledge -based global economy and there was need to prepare the children with the appropriate computer knowledge.

And speaking during the presentation of certificates to teachers who have been trained in teaching information and technology by KCM in Chingola, Musonda said the mining giant was doing a commendable job on its social corporate responsibility.
Musonda said the new tax regime was meant to ensure that mines contribute significantly to Zambia’s economic growth and poverty reduction.

She said that measured by the technology index, science and technology in Zambia was relatively underdeveloped.

Musonda said Zambia has about 1,000 scientists and engineers per million population who are engaged in research and development, translating into one scientist or engineer per 1,000 Zambians.

She said this ratio was insignificant to make any meaningful contribution in the scientific and technology sector.

Musonda said the government’s focus for science and technology in Zambia was to increase access to high quality laboratory facilities, increase funding for research and development, and provide sufficient numbers of well-trained personnel in information and technology.

Labels: KCM

posted by MrK @ 4:29 AM