Nsakwa Yaba Kaonde Association in Kasempa District has commended the government’s decisive action against illegal mining in the Kikonge area, describing it as a critical step towards sustainable revenue generation and local development.
ZANIS reports that Nsakwa Yaba Kaonde Association District Chairperson Howard Kamenga disclosed that the intervention has restored law and order in the area.
Mr Kamenga said this in an interview with Zambia News and Information Service in Kasempa District.
“I would like to express our appreciation to the Government for restoring sanity in Mufumbwe District, particularly in the Kikonge area, through the removal of illegal miners,” he stated.
Mr Kamenga noted that the eviction of illegal miners has brought relief to the people of Kasempa as well as their activities had posed serious security and social risks.
“The eviction of illegal miners from Kikonge is a great relief to the people of Kasempa. These individuals were involved in the sale of dangerous weapons such as knives and guns, as well as the public abuse and sale of alcohol,” he said.
“Now that sanity has been restored, we sincerely thank the Government of the republic of Zambia for this intervention,” Mr Kamenga added.
Mr Kamenga further appealed to the government to hasten the commencement of operations by licensed miners, noting that delays would affect cooperatives that had already obtained mining licenses.
“We appeal to the Government to move swiftly and allow licensed miners to commence operations as soon as possible as time has already passed. Some cooperative members obtained their mining licenses as far back as August, and it has now been about seven months without operations starting,” said Mr Kamenga.
Mr Kamenga emphasised that licensed miners will contribute positively to national development, unlike illegal operators.
“The removal of illegal miners is commendable because they were not contributing anything to the government. Licensed miners, on the other hand, will contribute to government’s revenue in various ways,” said Mr Kamenga.
