Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
ZCSD Executive Secretary Lewis Mwape
The Zambia Council for Social Development (ZCSD) has advised government not to impress the mines at the expense of the people of Zambia.
ZCSD Executive Secretary Lewis Mwape says it appears that government wants to make mining houses happier than the citizens of the country citing that this is evident from government further reducing the mineral royalty tax for underground mines from 9% to 6%.
Mr. Mwape notes that it is sad that government has continued to ignore the cries of its people but has decided to listen to the mining houses noting that the irresponsible act by the government will not help the government and the nation as a whole in any way.
He says government should first consider the people of Zambia who have currently been subjected to a high cost of living and are wallowing in poverty and unemployment.
Mr. Mwape points out that it is sad that the people of Zambia and government itself will continue not to get a fair benefit from its resources stating that if government would get a fair share from the mines, it would help in developing the nation but that this is not the case.
He further states that government should also consult relevant stakeholders before taking certain decisions because every Zambian is affected by the decisions that government makes for them.