‘Zambians should be sole beneficiaries of mines proceeds, says ActionAid’ 27 May 2019

ACTIONAID Zambia says the people of Zambia should be protected and be the sole beneficiaries of the proceeds of the mines before any investor is given a “red carpet” treatment. Country director Nalucha Nganga Ziba said there was need to undertake a thorough audit of the assets and liabilities of Konkola Copper Mines. Ziba said this would ensure the country negotiated from an informed position with potential new investors considering the asset and liability portfolio. “In line with our past advocacy work, we continue to call for the protection of the mine host communities who continue to suffer varying human rights violations due to environmental pollution and other social economic challenges,” she said.

“We are fully aware that these challenges have hugely been fueled by lack of enforcement of various pieces of legislation such as the mines and minerals development Act. As we have done in the past, we continue to demand for strong enforcement of legislation to protect the Zambian people especially women and children against any abuse from mining and other extractive activities.” Ziba advised that the process should be taken with caution so as not to overlook the concerns of the communities involved.

She said history had taught the country that investors have always pointed fingers to their predecessor in terms of liabilities, leaving the communities to suffer the damages with no one willing to come to their rescue. Ziba said not only assets but liabilities should all be taken into consideration and that the successful bidder should agree to take comprehensive ownership of assets and liabilities.