KCM a failed project, insists Nchanga MP

KONKOLA Copper Mines (KCM) is a failed project which should not be treated with kid's gloves for looting the country's natural resource, says Nchanga Member of Parliament Chali Chilombo.

Mr Chilombo has also accused KCM of having conned Zambia by producing mineral reserves that were already developed and failed to inject money to enhance production.

Mr Chilombo, in whose constituency KCM operates in Chingola, was reacting to remarks by its general manager and corporate affairs Eugene Chungu that the company had not failed and none of the suppliers was paid upfront.

Mr Chilombo insisted that the mining company had lamentably failed to inspire confidence in Zambians because of its failure to honour its promises to clients.

He said KCM had failed to pay suppliers and contractors who had delivered goods and services to the firm a year ago.

"I have seen today’s (yesterday) story in the Daily Nation where KCM claimed they have not failed, but being the MP for Nchanga, I still maintain my stance that they have failed.

"Let them come out in the open to show us what plans they have for KBMP and Nchanga NUG because they have not paid them for goods and services delivered.

“That company (KCM) has conned us as a nation because they have taken and produced all the reserves that were already developed and now for them to put in money to develop that is what they don’t want and that is what they haven’t done," Mr Chilombo said. He questioned, "If they have not failed, why aren’t they putting in money so that the development is enhanced? I still maintain my stance that they have failed and I am not going to change. "Let’s not even waste time to say, let’s give them some more time because they have been like that," he said.

Mr Chilombo added: "The company that doesn’t pay a supplier for a year, a company that doesn’t pay a contractor for providing services for four months what other word can you use apart from failing? The bottom line is they have failed."