Give Up The Mining In Zambia

ROAN Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili has advised National Energy Sector and Allied Workers' Union (Nesawu) general secretary, Yotam Mtayachalo to concentrate on resolving issues affecting the energy sector.

Mr Kambwili charged that instead of Mr Mtayachalo commenting on matters affecting the mining sector, he should concentrate on resolving issues such as the pending 66 per cent electricity tariff hike as well as improving the working conditions for employees in Zesco.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, Mr Kambwili said he would continue speaking for miners, particularly the plight of former Luanshya Copper Mines (LCM) and the issue of a new investor for the mine.

"What he (Mr Mtayachalo) needs to concentrate on are issues of Zesco and the impact that electricity tariff increase will have on the citizens, and let me tell him that I will continue speaking for the miners.

"If the Mine Unions of Zambia is going to support Chinese investors, I am not going to support them. LCM is in my constituency and I will not stop talking for the miners," Mr Kambwili said.

Mr Kambwili said that with Mr Mtayachalo concentrating on issues that did not fall within his jurisdiction, it was only logical that he stepped down and concentrated on commenting on matters outside his ambit.

He alleged that Mr Mtayachalo was not representing the interests of Nesawu members but those from other sectors like mining.

"I will continue speaking against the Chinese running the mines unless they change, and I do not know why Mtayachalo is condemning an innocent man doing an innocent cause," Mr Kambwili said.

On Tuesday, Mr Mtayachalo urged Mr Kambwili not to take an antagonistic approach over the issue surrounding the new investor for LCM but work in unison with the Government to find an amicable solution to the suffering of the people in Luanshya.

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