Headman Chitentabunga of Chitentabunga Village in Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo II’s Chiefdom of Chongwe District says the operationalisation of Chitentabunga Mine is expected to create jobs for people in the area.
Headman Chitentabunga states that people residing in the village, especially youths are underprivileged due to high levels of unemployment.
He said the proprietor of the mine will also be expected to undertake a number of Social Corporate Responsibility in the village as indicated in a Memorandum of Understanding that has since been signed between the Busoli Royal Establishment (BRE) and the said mining firm.
Headman Chitentabunga said this in an interview with Zambia News and Information Services in Chongwe (ZANIS).
He indicated that development will uplift the lives of people in Chitentabunga as well as those residing in surrounding communities of Manyika Ward.
“I am very confident that once the mine starts operating, it will have a positive impact on the lives of people of Chitentabunga and other villages in Manyika Ward. We are not only expecting jobs to be created but also the establishment of infrastructure to enhance delivery of social services to our people,” Headman Chitentabunga said.
The traditional leader also called on residents who are illegally digging for minerals along the fencing of the mine to desist from the illegal activity as they risk being arrested.
Headman Chitentabunga said the individuals who are digging for minerals are not using any machinery required to mine minerals and are also using unsafe mining methods.
He added that those who intend to undertake any mining activities in the area are required to obtain a mining license from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals.
“It is unfortunate that there is no one with a mining license in Chitentabunga despite the area being endowed with a number of minerals. Let us all be patient and wait for formalities between the company that will be running the mine and our royal establishment to be completed. Those who are mining illegally around the fencing of the mine are risking their lives,” Headman Chitentabunga said.
Headman Chitentabunga commended BRE under the leadership of Senior Chieftaness Nkomeshya Mukamambo II and government for making efforts to eradicate all illegal miners who were previously illegally mining copper at Chitentabunga Mine.
