. Dr Scott

By CHARITY MOONGA –
VICE-President Guy Scott has  said  the Government is keeping a close eye on Konkola Copper Mines operations following the company’s decision to externalise funds.
Dr Scott explained that Government wanted to ensure Zambia did not lose out given this scenario.
Dr Scott informed the House that it was important for it to know that KCM had liabilities in excess of US$1.5billion.
He said KCM had not paid its creditors who included banks and other mining companies that were supplying it with concentrates hence affecting their production as well.
“Something has been happening at KCM, money has been leaving the country. It is very sad that KCM is heading towards a situation of bankruptcy and their liabilities will have to be taken over by the Government of Zambia, meaning Zambia stands to lose billions of dollars if the situation is not checked,” he said.
He was responding to a question asked by PF Bwacha Member of Parliament Sydney Mushanga, who wanted to find out what Government was doing about the problems that had rocked KCM. This was during the vice-president’s question and answer session in Parliament yesterday.
“It’s a large issue and a matter of billions of dollars that the country stands to lose if we don’t stand up together,” he said.
He said Government had since ordered the Ministries of Finance and Mines to issue a statement and give advice to the Government on the way forward with regard to KCM.
Earlier, answering a question from UPND  Namwala MP Moono Lubezhi who wanted to find out the vice-president’s  position on opposition MPs crossing the floor to work with other parties, Dr Scott said PF welcomed opposition MPs who wanted to work with it especially if their parties had allowed them but if not,  the parties were free to expel them.
UPND Bweengwa MP, Highvie Hamududu wanted to find out what Government was doing about the poor performance of  councils in the country and Dr Scott said Government was formulating policies that would assist improve the performance of councils.
And responding to MMD Sikongo MP, Mundia Ndalamei, who wanted to find out when Government would remove police officers from Chief Chitimukulu’s palace, the vice-president said Government was still monitoring the situation at that palace and would increase or reduce the police officers according to the situation prevailing.
UPND Mazabuka central MP, Gary Nkombo wanted to find out what benefits had accrued to Zambians as a result of removal of subsidies on maize and fuel.
Dr Scott said Government was targeting cash transfers in rural areas.