President Rupiah Banda is happy that Kansanshi and Lumwana Mines in North Western Province have sustained operations despite the effects of the global financial crisis.
President Banda said the two mining companies have continued operations despite the global economic recession which has forced many companies to shut down their operations.
The President was speaking when he addressed hundreds of Solwezi residents who welcomed him at the Solwezi Airport this afternoon.
President Banda has since thanked the people of North Western Province for supporting the mining companies he said have continued sustaining their operations in the wake of the financial crisis.
He said his administration is working hard to encourage the exploration of mineral and oil in the province in efforts of encouraging investments in the mining sector.
President Banda said government is determined to ensure that enhanced investment in the mining sector translates into improved economic status for the local people.
“May I take this opportunity to thank the two mining giants for continuing to work hard and sustaining their operations even in the wake of the global crunch.
” May I also thank the people of this province for supporting the two mines that they don’t close down as they continue to face the financial crunch,” Mr. Banda said.
The President also said that government will remain focused at implementing other development programmes that include improved road infrastructure and construction and rehabilitation of schools and hospitals in the province.
He said government has allocated funds the 2009 national budget towards the construction of roads, schools and hospitals in various parts of the country and North Western Province in particular.
Mr Banda said government will work hard to provide in all the sectors of the economy using the available limited resources.
He has since challenged the people at grassroots to help government monitor and supervise development projects by ensuring that funds are utilized for intended purpose.
Earlier, North Western Province Minister Joseph Mulyata said the people of the province were happy with the economic policies being implemented by government thereby making it possible for the two mining companies to operate well in the area.
Mr Mulyata said the people are positive that once the exploration of minerals and oil is completed more economic activities and employment creation for the local people will be achieved.
He also said that the traditional leadership in the province is willing to partner with government in efforts of promoting economic activities and alleviation of poverty in the area.
He disclosed that Chief Mujimazovu and Kalilele have since given government hundred hectares of land for development in the area.
Mr Mulyata further disclosed that the construction of a K14 billion hospital in Lumwana area is scheduled to complete in the next for months adding that the rehabilitation of the Mutanda Chavuma road is progressing well with a 300 portion already tarred.
President Banda is Solwezi to commission the Lumwana Mine Copper Project.
ZANIS/SK/TK/ENDS/MM
It’s the first time am seeing RB giving a speech without scandalising his opponents. “Someone somewhere is being correctly advised”
But how long can they sustain operations? That’s the question.
Other than sacking people, has OBanda ever initiated anything? He’s happy with anything, he doesnt understand.
See RB without scandalizing and shooting others you even sound a bit mature. Keep it up.
Can’t we replicate the success story of those mines to other limping operations for the goos of the nation? Lets not just go body viewing. We need learn from such successes to improve the failing mines in Luanshya.
so is there a trip planned for every week mr president because it seems you never sit down to actually plan on how you will take the nation forward. one week its the sadc meeting, the other its kuomboka, now this and am sure there are numerous others that people can relate too.
AKULU MPUNO
I am also glad that he didn’t utter things like “I thank this province for voting for me”..
Very unsustainable !
RB just cant stay at home with TB, Does she give him grif that why he is always on the move.
The difference between Open Pit Mining and Underground Mining cost is so huge that there is no way of comparing the two even in this current current situation. Bringing ore from below sea level using a 5 ton skibble is oviously uneconomical compared to trucking from a 70m deep open pit using 100 ton Haul Pack truck. Mine owners can only operate underground mining if the copper price is enough to break even. Even a Kantemba operator cannot buy sugar at 9pin and sell it at 8pin. Its not a charity to run a mine. Please people should not just be talking without research.
Press Clip:
Reporter: What are some of the highlightes expected in your speech as you commission the Lumwana Mine, your Excellency?
RB: I dont know. I have not seen the written speech yet! You people, what is your problem? I have only been in office for five months!
Ba Moze for President. You tickled me