- Stay Connected
Socialize
Government Halts The Construcion Of a Dam By KML In Solwezi
Government has with immediate effect halted the construction of a dam on Chisola River in Solwezi district of Northwestern province by Kalumbila Minerals Limited (KML).
Northwestern province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu ordered KML to stop the construction on Chisola River following illegalities in the manner the project was initiated.
Mr. Mubukwanu also stated that government will consider prosecuting KML, a company owned by First Quantum Mineral (FQM), for implementing projects in Senior Chief Musele’s area without government approval as the construction of the named dam was in contravention of Zambia Environmental Management agency (ZEMA) regulations.
The minister issued the directives when he visited the Mine in Musele area, about one hundred and fifty kilometers west of Solwezi following complaints from residents that the mining company had begun building a dam on the river before seeking approval from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA).
By the ZEMA regulations, erection of any project of this nature requires the investor to seek necessary approval to prevent misunderstanding regarding environmental protection.
The creation of the dam by Kalumbila Mine is expected to affect several cattle farmers through flooding of the grazing lands if the project went ahead.
Posted by Editor (online)
on May 17, 2013. Filed under LATEST NEWS.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
kakolwe
May 17, 2013 at 6:50 pm
Did KLM wish to use the dam to generate power?.or as an overspew for water pumped from their mines? Or for fish farming? Or as a leisure resort? OR WHAT!! School me!!!!
Chachacha will be back
May 19, 2013 at 5:41 pm
the dam was to pave way to an open pit which is to be a few kms down stream. the river passes over a rich deposit of nickel/copper.we need the mine for pipo to get employment. we need the dam so that the mine can kick start.am working in this area for mineral prospecting. if its a matter of authority, then ZEMA should advise KML how to go about it. there is plenty of grazing land in this area, the cattle industry does not employ main pipo.
Dimma
May 18, 2013 at 6:13 am
I thought dams are a good thing because they preserve water a scarce resource in other parts of the world: unless the company is going for the grass in order to tranform it into fuel – again! Or, Could be that they are precious minerals underneath and the cost the cost of constructing a dam is being financed by the same minerals. Who knows? I mean I’m just speculating. Maybe, someone in government wants to own it now…
Well, whatever the ideas is, do it quickily because tarrifs are going to kill us if there is no competition!
Ndaje Kahks
May 18, 2013 at 7:20 am
Depends on where the dam is and what its impact will be on the surroundings. It is like you want to sink a shaft in the middle of Nkana West, you must study the repurcations and advantages to the environ
Sunzu the tool
May 18, 2013 at 8:38 am
@ Ndaje Kahks thats true, apart from the flooding which will surely displace some farmers, also think about the aquatic life down stream which might be wiped out due to very little water, ECZ should come in do a thorough study of the project.
mwai
May 18, 2013 at 12:35 pm
Hope the Minister got all the relevant advice including what the regulations provide for recourse and what process quantum followed. This is a half baked story that has very little to do with the constructor but quantum itself.
Kalok
May 19, 2013 at 8:57 am
When you occupy or buy land there is something about water resources and minerals on that land belonging to the President, etc. etc. I think therein comes the Minister’s authority.
joel
May 19, 2013 at 12:07 pm
Hon Mubukwanu is right and has to be supported.Look at his corrupt PS who gets bribes from the mines.He is quiet and confused.
Wanu Ngwee
May 19, 2013 at 8:27 pm
It is common knowledge now that KML, when fully developed, will be one of the biggest copper mines in the world. So, it cannot make sense to me how their mining licence was issued without ZEMA approval. What I know is that no mining licence gets issued without an approved Environmental management plan, and certificate from ZEMA. Are you now telling us that this company has no mining permit? NONSENSE!