. KAPEYA

By  SYLVESTER MWALE –
INFORMATION Minister Mwansa Kapeya says the official position of  the Government on Kangaluwi Mining Project is that the project should go ahead as explained by the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.
There have been conflicting statements from the Ministry of Lands and that of Tourism on the proposed large-scale mining project in the Lower Zambezi by Mwembeshi  Resources.
While Lands Minister Harry Kalaba has overturned the earlier decision by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) that rejected the project, his counterpart at Tourism, Sylvia Masebo was reported to be against the project.
But in a statement released in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Kapeya, who is Chief Government spokesperson, said the Government backed Mr Kalaba’s position.
“Following conflicting statements issued on the Kangaluwi Copper Project, I would like to inform the nation that Government’s position is as interpreted by the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and
Evironmental Protection,” Mr Kapeya said.
“As this matter is now before the courts of law, we should avoid making any statements on it until it is finally adjudicated upon.”
He said the Government expected a fair balance between the benefits of mining and protection of wildlife.
The chief Government spokesperson said policies and laws would be respected and adhered to and the investment would create employment opportunities for ordinary Zambians.
The matter is before the court after some civil society organizations were granted an injunction to restrain the mining company from going ahead until the matter is disposed off.