THE Association of Mine Suppliers and Contractors has commended President Lungu for the launch of mega projects on the Copperbelt, which are expected to enhance the economy in the region.
Association president Augustine Mubanga said the projects will present an opportunity for its members to get the much-coveted contracts, which are also anticipated to improve the welfare of citizens.
“With the foregoing developments, the association is appealing to the President to consider awarding 20 percent of the projects to local suppliers and contractors,”
he said.
President Lungu has launched the reconstruction of the Ndola-Mufulira road, a cable-making company, as well as the construction of a cement plant with capacity to produce about 150,000 metric tonnes of the commodity.
Meanwhile, Mr Mubanga said unresolved disputes between First Quantum Minerals Limited (FQM) and ZCCM-IH have negatively affected the businesses of association members who depend on contracts from the mining companies.
He has appealed to ZCCM-IH management to avoid alleged wastage of public funds on court cases that could take many years to conclude, adding that they will only cost the country millions in legal fees.
Mr Mubanga has urged ZCCM-IH to consider resolving the matter with FQM out of court as this would prevent further loss of business of association members.
And Mr Mubanga said the association supports the invocation of Article 31 of the Constitution and applauds Parliament for affirming it.
