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Movement for Multiparty Democracy Presidential Candidate Dr Nevers Sekwila Mumba on 13th of January 2015 had a successful rally in Solwezi at which he discussed at length the impending closure of Lumwana Mine that has been necessitated by the sudden increase in Mineral Royalty Tax by the Patriotic Front Government from 6% to 20% for Open Cast Mines.
The confusing, abrupt and haphazard policies of the PF have put 4,000 workers and 8,000 contractors at risk of losing their livelihood with over 70,000 people affected, using the current average family size of 6. This is not counting the reduction in economic activity downstream, as the goods and services consumed by the workers and contractors shrink considerably, leading to a loss in government revenues.
Dr Mumba explained that during the time he was Zambia’s High Commissioner to Canada, he was leader of the negotiation team that brought Barrick-Gold into Zambia through the purchase of Lumwana mine, an $8 billion investment that was the largest in a decade in the entire Africa. He said he would enter into cordial negotiations with Barrick-Gold with a view to producing a win-win situation where their impending exit would be forestalled and government mining tax revenue improved. The same negotiations would apply to all other mining companies as necessary.
Dr Mumba also promised to work hard to reduce the price of mealie-meal in the shortest possible time and give free education to Zambians up to grade 12. He also promised a return of fertilizer and fuel subsidies.
Earlier in the morning, Dr Mumba visited markets in Chambeshi and Chingola where he interacted with ordinary marketeers and other members of the public. His visit to Mufulira town center brought business to a standstill as members of the public came to get a glimpse of Dr Mumba and speak to him.
Dr Mumba had also visited Mukambo border post in the morning as the MMD Campaign team were driving from Mansa where another successful rally had been held the previous day. The team was met by the entire Copperbelt Provincial Executive Committee, Mufulira District Executive Committee and other MMD supporters.
Dr Mumba addressed the group at one of the MMD Councilor’s residence where he explained in detail the genesis and current party position on the internal MMD party wrangles.
Later in the evening, Dr Mumba attended a meeting with the Solwezi Press Club where he presented the “MMD Back In Government Ten Point Master Plan” which had been unveiled at the Press Freedom Committee forum on 5th January 2015 at the Southern Sun Hotel in Lusaka.
Dr Mumba is scheduled to visit Chisokone Market in Kitwe today and have a rally in Ndola.
