Maravi

Investments in mining must translate into tangible social benefits, says Musukwa

Investments in mining must translate into tangible social benefits, says Musukwa
By Misheck Wangwe in Kitwe
Thu 12 Jan. 2012, 13:48 CAT

MINES and natural resources deputy minister Richard Musukwa says massive investment in the mining sector must translate into tangible economic and social benefit to the country.

In an interview, Musukwa who is also Wusakile member of parliament said the PF government was mindful of the fact that the general citizenry was not happy with the manner foreign investors on the Copperbelt were conducting business as they had failed to channel meaningful proceeds to corporate social responsibility in areas where they operate.

He said the thrust of the government was to see serious physical presence of mining houses in infrastructure development while contributing positively to economic development as mining was the backbone of Zambia's economy.

Musukwa said the government was currently working on policies to make mining companies more responsive to the people and the country's needs.

He said as part of their corporate social responsibility, mining companies must begin to redeem themselves by taking up major road networks in areas such as Kitwe's Wusakile area where miners live.

Musukwa said people in mining townships do not deserve to live under unsanitary conditions when the country had rich mining houses that could supplement government efforts of providing clean water and sanitation services.

He said the government would also fight the trend of giving expatriates in the mines jobs that can be done by Zambians.

"As a new government, we haven't forgotten about the demands of our people over the rich mineral wealth this country is endowed with. Many people especially those on the Copperbelt always ask questions as to when they would start seeing the benefits of mining. We will not continue watching trucks carrying copper cathodes worth millions of dollars leaving the country without tangible benefits trickling down to our people who are the custodians of the mines," Musukwa said.

He said the government would not allow a situation where many people would continue to live in poverty when the country was rich in mineral resources.

Labels: MINING, PF

posted by MrK @ 7:01 PM