MINISTRY OF MINES LAUNCHES K3.8M INCOME PROJECT
BY SHARON KUNDA –
The Ministry of Mines has launched phase 2 of the livelihood and income generation activities worth 3.8 million Kwacha supported by the Zambia Mining and Environmental Remediation and Improvement Project.
Mines Minister PAUL KABUSWE says the Project will benefit 416 people from 16 Cooperatives.
Mr. KABUSWE says the Project is aimed at reducing environmental health risks in towns associated with historical environmental liabilities and to strengthen regulatory institutions to improve environmental governance in the mining sector.
Speaking during the launch, the minister said the Project encompasses several interventions aimed at mitigating liabilities in selected towns of Mufulira, Chingola, Kitwe and Kabwe.
Mr. KABUSWE explained that the Project will help reduce exposure of people in these areas to occupational health risks associated with hand stone crushing and scavenging at the old mine dumps.
He said the design of the livelihood and income generation component aims to support economic driven projects in mining areas, thus fostering employment.
Mr. KABUSWE said the project will provide additional grants to 20 more vulnerable groups by the end of this year.
The Mines Minister said the proposed business activities to be undertaken range from crop farming, fish farming, egg production, Piggery and mealie meal production among others.
Mr. KABUSWE also urged Mining Companies across the country to uphold sound environmental practices as provided for in the law and invest in implementing mitigation measures were such liabilities occur.
And Zambia Mining and Environmental Remediation and Improvement Project National Coordinator GIDEON NDALAMA said the objective of the Project is to provide alternative means of livelihood for people negatively impacted by mining.
Mr. NDALAMA said other interventions being conducted include environmental cleanup activities of lead contaminated sites in Kabwe, treating people affected by lead poisoning and the rehabilitation of environmental infrastructure such as the old Tailings Dam in Mufulira.
Meanwhile, a beneficiary SYLVIA CHILESHE who is Chairlady of Living Hope Women’s Club and has been crushing stones since 2013 expressed gratitude to Government for providing a safer alternative for her to earn a livelihood.