By Tinkerbel Mwila
Political and Social Anthropologist James Musonda has
Charged that the demands being made by Vedanta to
Government only shows how the company continues on
Its disastrous trajectory that aims at ensuring that
Zambians do not benefit from the mines.
Dr. Musonda is concerned that reports that Vedanta
Resources Holdings Limited has given the Zambian
Government conditionalities that once it sells its
79.4 percent shares in Konkola Copper Mines to its
Subsidiary, Volcan Investment Limited, all tax
Liabilities, electricity bills and employee dues under the new owner should be written off, does not mean well for the people of Zambia.
He is of the view that if government cannot think about more shares in KCM going by the demands Vedanta is making, it becomes clear that government is saving the interest of foreigners and not the poor Zambian.
Dr. Musonda in an interview with Phoenix News has adds that the demands by Vedanta are not different from mining companies during privatization of the mines which after more than 20 years of operations left Zambians without jobs, social welfare and local People without employment security.
And when reached for a comment, Vedanta Resource Director Corporate Communications Masuzyo Ndhlovu said the company stands by its earlier commitments of developing KCM, providing impactful and measurable corporate social responsibility projects that will benefit the communities of Chiliabombwe, Chingola,Kitwe and Nampundwe and improve the conditions of service for employees among other commitments.
PHOENIX NEWS