By 
The search for 31 miners in Chingola who are currently trapped in mining holes has reached day-four as the government orders more excavators to salvage the situation.
A check at the site on Sunday indicated that about eight excavators had been brought in and water pumped out in readiness to start the actual search.
Speaking during a briefing in Chingola after touring the mine site, Copperbelt Minister, Elisha Matambo, said the families whose loved ones were trapped should bear with the government as it made frantic efforts to rescue the miners.
“We have made tremendous progress in the search for miners after more excavators were brought in ,a combined team of rescue officers from the defence wings, Konkola Copper Mine and Mopani Copper Mine are on the ground 24/7,” Matambo said.
On the other hand, Mines and Mineral Development Minister, Paul Kabuswe, took a swipe at opposition leaders accusing the government of delaying the process.
“We would like to condemn sentiments attributed to some opposition leaders that we are being to slow in acting, open pit mining is complex, rescue officers are being cautious not to cause an accident within an accident, they should know that,” Kabuswe said.
Earlier in the day, Acting President, Mutale Nalumango, said in a statement that the rescue team was carrying out emergency works by focusing on removing mud and water from the water-logged site, and further works to facilitate access to the other two sites.
“I wish to assure the nation that our search and rescue team is working around the clock and every effort is being made to ensure that our brothers are located and rescued from the mine in the shortest possible time,” Nalumango stated.
On Friday morning, around 2:00 am hours, miners at Senseli mine in chingola were reportedly trapped in three locations following a mud-slide.
Since then, rescue workers have making frantic efforts to retrieve them.
But earlier on Sunday, the Edgar Lungu-led Patriotic Front (PF) vice president, Given Lubinda, called on President Hakainde Hichilema to abandon his trip in the United Arab Emirates.
Lubinda said this would give him time to mourn with the families that lost beloved ones in the open pit mine accident in Chingola on the Copperbelt Province.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments