Social Anthropologist James Musonda says the new dawn government will be going against its position while in opposition if it gives back Konkola Copper Mines-KCM back to Vedanta Resources.
Reacting to reports suggesting that government will this afternoon hand KCM back to Vedanta Resources as Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe announces new owners of the mine, Dr. Musonda who has challenged the government to place the deal in public domain for scrutiny alleges that the KCM handout to Vedanta will be yet another mining disaster and a reckless decision given Vedanta’s past.
He has accused the government of deliberately delaying the controversial handout of KCM to create enough hopelessness, anxiety and uncertainty while presenting Vedanta as the only alternative to motivate calls for Vedanta’s return.
Dr. Musonda further alleges that the anti-vedanta protestors have deliberately been ignored at all costs while the pro-vedanta have been entertained and received positive coverage from government controlled media houses.
Meanwhile, a Consortium of Civil Society Organizations says it expects KCM to be handed back to Vedanta resources as the government announces who takes over the Mining Company.
Consortium Spokesperson Samuel Banda says the CSOs which include the Zambians for Unity, Peace and Democracy and Advocates for National Development and Democracy believe that Vedanta Resources have the huge technical and financial capacity to operate KCM effectively and efficiently.
