By KENNEDY MUPESENI –
THE Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) will increase mineral exploration activities to boost the economy if elected during the August 11,2016 general elections.
The party in its manifesto has observed that the Zambia`s mineral endowment provides the country with the greatest potential for growth.
The party will provide incentives to encourage exploration for new mining opportunities.
“The FDD government will place emphasis on the development of a mining industry in which mineral exploitation will be used for the direct benefit of its people,” it sates.
To realise this, FDD would continue encouraging mining companies to contribute to the growth of economic activities around the industry by using Zambian suppliers and contractors.
It will also persuade and provide incentives to mining companies to direct portions of their revenues from mining towards the developmental needs of local communities such as water, sanitation, housing, sport, recreation and health.
The gemstone industry will also be develop so as to establish local markets for the purpose of selling precious minerals to curb the current levels of smuggling in this sub sector.
