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SAVE the Environment and People’s Agency (SEPA) says the action taken by President Hakainde Hichilema to fire some government officials will serve as lessons to any official perpetrating illegalities.
SEPA chief executive officer Mailes Muke said accountability in the mining sector and prudent utilisation of natural resources was key to national development.
“In our view and other partners in extractive industries, we welcome the Presidential action on Luapula government officials and hopefully
this will serve as a lesson to other mining areas like North Western, Southern and Central Province,” Muke said.
She said in an interview on Monday that the future of mining in Luapula Province and Zambia at large would only be secured if people charged with the responsibility of safeguarding resources were accountable.
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Muke said scandals regarding illegal sugilite mining were unfortunate hence the decision taken by President Hichilema was a welcome move.
“The future of mining is in our hands and it starts with accountability especially that the current scandals are happening right on the side-lines of Zambia’s Mining,” she said.
She said for Zambia to benefit from its mining assets, there was need for close collaboration between government, civil society, traditional leaders , communities and the media.
Muke said few individuals should not be the only ones benefiting from mining industries while others live in poverty.
She said the country’s mineral resources should benefit all Zambians adding that a gender lense should be used to help women and children benefit more from the country’s mineral resources.
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