Minister hopeful of finding investor for Kansenseli gold mine
North western province minister Robert Lihefu says he is hopeful that an investor will soon be found to start operations at Kansenseli gold mine in Mwinilunga district.
Last year, Mines and Mineral Development minister Paul Kabuswe suspended operations at the gold mine.
Mr Lihefu said if the mine remains closed, it will disadvantage the people of not just Mwinilunga but the entire region.
He said the people in the area want to see the benefits of having a mine through job creation as well as corporate social responsibility services.
“And it is the wish of the provincial administration that an investor can be found so that the mine becomes operationsl,” said Mr Lihefu.
He said currently people in the area have no access to clean and safe drinking water as well as health facilities among others.
The provincial minister was speaking during a press briefing on progress made on various government projects implemented in 2021 as well those that intends to embark on this year.
And Mr Lihefu disclosed that in the year under review, the province under the social cash transfer program targeted a total of 62,209 household beneficiaries.
“And a total of 71,581 households benefited from the scheme which includes the Covid19 emergency social cash beneficiaries,” he said.
And in the food security pack, the minister said a total 19,900 vulnerable but viable farmers benefitted from the program.
In the health sector, Mr Lihefu said out of 74 health posts allocated to the province, a total of 57 have been completed and are currently operational.
“In addition to that, 7 out of 12 mini hospital are completed and are awaiting commissioning,” said.
Regarding Covid19 response, Mr Lihefu said four isolation facilities were established including an infectious disease center.