Pro Vedanta Protests Staged Says MP

Christopher Kang’ombe, Member of Parliament for Kitwe Kamfinsa, has explained that the protest of youths demanding the return of Vedanta Resources to Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) was staged.

The government has also reiterated that Vedanta will not return to KCM.

Following interest from the Indian mining company, a group of Chiliabombwe youths marched through the area demanding that the firm return to KCM.

The group formed to hand over a petition to the Mines and Minerals Development Minister, Paul Kabuswe.

According to a representative of the group, following the liquidation of the Vedanta, job opportunities had diminished in both Chingola and Chililabombwe, the group felt that this would be rectified if the company returned to the area.

The Kitwe Mayor explained that the situation could be fixed through genuine conversations as opposed to the staging of fake protests.

He said, “A genuine conversation must take place, with all stakeholders invited to discuss all possible solutions. My point is, you don’t need to stage-manage a protest to achieve an objective that is genuine.”

Meanwhile, Minister Kabuswe, outlined that the decision was not his but the governments. He explained that the issue would be a top priority and new employment opportunities will soon be available.

He also emphasised the importance of the mine generating high-quality jobs where workers are sufficiently paid and work in a safe environment, specifications that were not met when Vedanta had previously owned the mine. 

Following the liquidation proceedings, the company is now going through arbitration but the government has outlined that Vedanta will not return to the mine regardless of the outcome.

 Photo: Lusaka Times