Maravi

Kambwili protests govts delay in aiding LCM

Kambwili protests govts delay in aiding LCM
Written by Patson Chilemba
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 7:44:40 PM

ROAN Patriotic Front (PF) member of parliament Chishimba Kambwili yesterday protested at State House over the government’s delay in finding an investor to take over operations at Luanshya Copper mines (LCM).

Addressing the press, Kambwili said government bureaucracy had prevented him from having an audience with President Rupiah Banda over the closure of LCM. He wondered why the government was taking time to address the problems at LCM when six investors had shown interest in the mine.

"I have tried to see the minister of mines, there is nothing happening,” he said. "In the meantime, the miners, all the K27.7 billion that was sent to Luanshya to pay the miners has gone to service their loans at the bank."

Earlier, Kambwili had his protest placards forcefully taken away from him by police officers. The police officers also chased him from the car park and told him to address the press across the road.

And after addressing the press, Kambwili refused to be taken for questioning by State House staff. The incident happened just after Kambwili had finished addressing the media at the car park outside State House where he staged a one-man protest.

And just as Kambwili was about to drive off, several State House officers sealed off both the entry and exit points of the car park in an attempt to prevent him from leaving.

One of the officers then approached Kambwili and asked him if he had a permit to stage the protest. But Kambwili said he did not need to produce a permit because he had already notified the police about the protest a week ago.

"The law doesn't require me to get a permit, you only have to notify police," Kambwili said, as another officer still insisted that he produce a permit.

As Kambwili was trying to explain himself, another officer, who appeared senior among them all, approached Kambwili and requested him to accompany the officers into State House grounds for questioning.

"This is State House where you are doing your demonstration,” said one of the officers, as Kambwili responded: “State House is part of Zambia. When I get a confirmation from the commanding officer, I do not need to inform you. It’s not my problem if you had breakdowns in communication between you and police."

After the arguments, Kambwili got into his vehicle and drove off.

Labels: CHISHIMBA KAMBWILI, DEMONSTRATION, JOBLOSSES, LCM

posted by MrK @ 7:44 PM