FQM’S KANSANSHI SPENDS OVER 5 MILLION KWACHA ON SIX SOLWEZI CO-OPERATIVES
Kansanshi Mining PLC has handed over two-million kwacha (K 2,000,000=00) to six co-operatives in Solwezi District, North Western Province as part of the mines support to small and medium enterprises aimed at uplifting the living standards of the people.
Early this year, Kansanshi mine launched an initiative, ‘Tujipamo Community project’ as a pilot programme to support six co-operatives with finances to invest in different business activities, with the resources distributed quarterly.
Kansanshi Mining Plc Contracts Manager, Pamela Chola said the mine had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide funds to the six co-operatives having assessed their business plans.
Ms. Chola said in the first quarter each of the co-operatives received one hundred and twenty-six kwacha (K 126,000=00) and two-hundred thousand kwacha in the second and third quarters respectively.
She disclosed that at the end of the fourth quarter, one co-operative had violated conditions set in the MOU and fell off leaving only five who have received four hundred thousand kwacha (K 400,000) each as final instalment.
Ms. Chola said Kansanshi has in total provided Five Million One Hundred and fifty-six thousand kwacha (K 5,156,000=00) to the co-operatives who are engaged in Carpentry, Poultry, tailoring, fish farming and piggery since January this year.
“As you may be aware, Kansanshi Mining PLC has been involved in the mining industry for many years, and while we have been fortunate enough to work with a great number of contractors and suppliers, we understand that not everyone has had such opportunities.
However, we firmly believe that this should not hinder anyone from finding success or accessing finances, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to help those in need,” Ms Chola indicated.
She said “our aiming is to support and empower communities through the formation of co-operatives, this is because we recognize the potential and drive that exists within these communities, and we are confident that by working together, we can overcome any obstacles that stand in our way”.
Ms. Chola explained that the mine has been using funds realized from the sale of scrap materials on the mine site. “So far, we have already provided K 3,156,000 in form of grants to the six cooperatives in three instalments with each receiving K 526,000 and today, Kansanshi is proud to announce the final instalment of K 2,000,000 to five cooperatives with one having fallen out due to failure to adhere to set conditions on utilization of the funds”.
She said the support, is part of Kansanshi’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the desire to promote economic growth not only in Solwezi, but North Western Province, and across the entire country.
“We understand the vital role that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play in driving economic development, particularly in rural communities.
However, we also recognize that access to finance is a significant constraint for SMEs looking to grow their businesses. That is why Kansanshi Mine has partnered with these co-operatives to provide support and opportunities for their business ventures.
Our aim is to create platforms and opportunities for wealth and job creation because we believe that by supporting these cooperatives, we can contribute to the growth of indigenous businesses and ultimately, the creation of much-needed jobs,” she added.
Speaking when she addressed the recipients, Ms. Chola emphasized on the importance of sustainability and self-sufficiency. “While it is wonderful to see the progress that has been made, it is equally important for these cooperatives to continue to stand on their own and support the communities in which they operate”.
And Ms. Chola has disclosed that due to the success of the pilot project, the mine will continue with the project for another year by recruiting a new crop of co-operatives who will also be supported for a year.
Meanwhile, Hidden Wisdom Multi-purpose co-operative Chairperson Hope Ngenda commended Kansanshi for providing the funds that have helped them grow into a successful business.
“To you Kansanshi, your support has been invaluable to our efforts to uplift the community and create a sustainable pathway to success for our youths, we faced challenges at the start of our co-operative but with your support we have been able to overcome them by setting up a bigger workshop,” Ms. Ngenda said.
And Mutezhi Multi-purpose co-operative society Chairperson Philip Kapiji said with the support from Kansanshi, the co-operative is now self-sustained and has been working closely with youths through their poultry business.
The six cooperatives that started the journey are Twibamo Multi-purpose co-operative, Mutezhi Multi-purpose co-operative, Samarai Multi-purpose co-operative, Norwestec Multi-purpose co-operative and Hidden Wisdom Multi-Purpose Co-operative.
Twinkle Multi-purpose co-operative benefited from the first three instalments walking away with K 526,000 but was not part of the final five who have been funded with K 926,000 each in the year cycle.
