Luano gold plundered
LUANO valley residents have intensified calls to Ministry of mines and mineral development to put measures to prevent illegal alluvial gold mining.
And Mines and Minerals development minister Richard Musukwa has promised to visit the area for an on- the-spot check.
Residents complained that foreign nationals mostly from Tanzanians have invaded the area illegally mining alluvial gold along Lunsemfwa and Mulungushi rivers.
LUANO valley residents have intensified calls to Ministry of mines and mineral development to put measures to prevent illegal alluvial gold mining.
And Mines and Minerals development minister Richard Musukwa has promised to visit the area for an on-the-spot check.
Residents complained that foreign nationals mostly from Tanzanians have invaded the area illegally mining alluvial gold along Lunsemfwa and Mulungushi rivers.
They said the situation was worrying and needed urgent interventions. In an interview, former Luano District Council vice chairpeson who is current Chimika ward Councillor Benford Katiti said it was time government came in to put in place stringent measures to control the situation.
Mr. Katiti said foreigners were reaping were they did not sow and that illegal miners should be stopped.
Mr. Katiti that because of illegal mining, Mashata area has attracted a lot people from different parts of the country and foreign nationals, a situation which has led to hyper of illegal mining and criminal activities.
"Iam appealimg to government through the ministry of mines and minerals development to come and arrest illegal miners of Mashata area in Chimika ward of Luano district.
"Government should come in and put up preventive measures that will provide a lasting solution to alluvial illegal gold mining so as to prevent government to lose out on revenue," said Mr. Katiti.
Mr. Katiti added that government was losing out colossal amount of money through revenues that could be channeled to other developmental projects in health and education sectors.
When contacted Mr Musukwa said he will visit the area. "We are coming there," he said.