KCM Launches $8.1 Million Road Rehabilitation Project
Konkola Copper Mines Invests $8.1M in Township Road Upgrades to Boost Community Development in Zambia
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has launched a 15.1-kilometre township road rehabilitation project across Chililabombwe, Chingola, and Shibuyunji districts, valued at US$8.1 million.
The initiative, part of KCM’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, aims to improve local infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.
Of the 15.1 km to be rehabilitated, 3.9 km will be in Chililabombwe, 4.4 km in Chingola, and 7.1 km in Shibuyunji.
Key roads include Chililabombwe’s Kamenza Way and Konkola Road, Chingola’s 3rd, 4th, and 5th Streets, George Ngoma Road, and Nampundwe’s Off Farmers Road.
Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Charles Milupi, officially launched the project during a groundbreaking ceremony in Chililabombwe.
He praised KCM, its parent company Vedanta Resources, the Zambian government, and stakeholders for their commitment to improving community livelihoods.
Hon. Milupi highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in driving infrastructure development and cited the collaboration between KCM and the government as a positive example benefiting both communities and the nation.
Chililabombwe Member of Parliament and Mines Minister, Hon. Paul Kabuswe, reaffirmed that Vedanta and KCM would deliver on promises made in their shareholders’ agreement, including increased funding for community projects and production ramp-ups.
KCM COO Malcolm Mewett emphasized that the road rehabilitation project addresses critical infrastructure needs while noting that quality roads are essential for economic growth and community connectivity.
“Today’s ground-breaking ceremony marks our largest single investment in improving living standards in KCM operational areas,” said Mewett.
“This initiative is part of our broader commitment to invest $20 million annually in communities to directly benefit the local population.
We are grateful for the continued support of the Government of Zambia and His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema in delivering community development where it matters most.”
KCM Community Development Trust Board Chairperson, Ms. Chearyp Sokoni, described the project as a flagship initiative that lays the foundation for future community development projects, including the construction of education facilities and the upgrade of the Trades Training Centre in Kitwe.
