ZAMBIA’S GOLD IS OUR FUTURE, NOT A GIFT FOR FOREIGNERS” SAYS UPND ALLIANCE PARTNER CHARLES CHANDA

The leader of the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia party, Charles Chanda, has called on the government to take urgent action to stop Chinese companies from benefiting more from Zambia’s gold than its own citizens. ‎ ‎In an interview Mr. Chanda said Chinese firms currently have processing plants within Zambia and he wants the government […]

‎The leader of the United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia party, Charles Chanda, has called on the government to take urgent action to stop Chinese companies from benefiting more from Zambia’s gold than its own citizens.
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‎In an interview Mr. Chanda said Chinese firms currently have processing plants within Zambia and he wants the government to step in to secure the nation’s gold reserves for Zambians.
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‎He says the state must act now to close any gold processing plant that does not have a valid mining license.
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‎According to Chanda, without proper monitoring, it is impossible to know exactly how much gold is being produced and exported. He argued that all gold should be processed through a central system so that the Bank of Zambia can build up national reserves.
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‎He said the government should follow the example of South Africa, where some gold mines have operated for over 400 years, to unlock long-term value for the nation . He called for the establishment of a dedicated gold company to maximise national profits .
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‎Chanda, whose own gold mining venture in Kasempa recently received official approval, said the country must move on from what he described as “election fever” and focus on development .
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‎He urged political leaders to put their differences aside and work together to build a prosperous Zambia.
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‎”Let’s work together to develop Kasempa, create employment and build a district that attracts both local and foreign investors,” Mr. Chanda stated .
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‎He stressed that Zambian youths are eager to work and gold mining provides a major opportunity for job creation and skills training.
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‎The call from the UPPZ leader comes after the August 13th general elections, with the cost of living and economic management at the top of voters’ concerns .
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‎Chanda said the focus should be on development and ensuring that Zambia’s natural resources benefit Zambians first.