CONTINUED CALLS FOR RETURN OF VEDANTA AT KCM

by Micheal Kaluba

Some Youths and Women in Chingola and Chililabombwe districts on the Copperbelt have asked government to grant them a day to deliver a petition outlining reasons for their push for the return of embattled Vedanta mineral resources at the helm of Konkola Copper Mines-KCM.

The youths and women, who yesterday delivered another petition to the district administrative office in Chingola, are calling on government to allow Vedanta to return full control of KCM but with policies and not politics to guide operations at the mine.

Speaking on behalf of the youths in Chingola today, Melvin Shimatemba appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema

to quickly unlock the mine by returning it to Vedanta as reaffirmed by the collective resolve by various community members in Chingola and Chililabombwe backed by the clergy, youths and women.

And speaking on behalf of the clergy in Chingola today, St. Barnabas Anglican Parish Priest in Charge, Father Harry Sakapaji said Vedanta remains the best option to save KCM, employ locals, improve social spending in education and health and to avoid Zambia losing any millions of dollars in compensation.

Father Sakapaji, who led a handful of youths and women with placards challenging government to end the liquidation process and hand over the mine to the rightful owners also dismissed assertions that they have been sponsored by the investor.

PHOENIX NEWS