REVAMP MINING SECTOR TO CREATE JOBS, HH TOLD

By SHERRY CHABALA

The Advocates for National Democracy and Development (ANDD), is saddened with the skyrocketing levels of unemployment and poverty.

ANDD Executive Director Samuel Banda said, government needs to find a long term solution to these issues which is affecting people’s ability to live dignified lives.

He said, it is high time government looked at sectors that can unlock employment opportunities for people, as well as for the economy, which is equally struggling.

Mr Banda has recommended once again that, government unlocks the mining sector which has been unproductive for a long time, despite it being able to contribute about 75 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

He has therefore expressed concern that, despite numerous promises from government that they have found solutions to the mining problems, nothing has categorically been done to operationalize both Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) and Mopani.

Mr Banda is of the view that, the Mines are able to employ, stabilise the economy, empower suppliers and promote national development if mining policies are well aligned.

He has since called in government to address the issues of KCM and Mopani, without any further delay in order for the country to address many issues affecting the people’s welfare.

“The number of young people who sat for aptitude tests for a few Zambia Revenue Authority jobs the other week speaks to how levels of unemployment have gone up” Mr Banda said.