Kitwe: Vedanta Resources Zambia has been applauded for coming up with a ‘Community Trust’ initiative in order to coordinate its corporate social responsibility programmes.
The Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) believes this initiative will enhance development in areas where Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) operates.
ANDD Executive Director Samuel Banda tells Smart Eagles that areas such as Chingola, Chilililabombwe, Nampundwe and Kitwe will receive their fair share of programmes through such an initiative.
“The development will be centered on people’s interests and aspirations because community members will initiate all the programmes under corporate social programmes. What that means is that, the community themselves will be able to tell what kind of projects they want and what they believe will enhance their living standards and development.
For example, suppose the community wants to venture into agriculture projects. In that case, they will be able to benefit from corporate social responsibility programs in terms of funding from Vedanta Resources under KCM,” he said.
“We also believe that this will facilitate and help in terms of employment creation as well as increasing economic activities in areas where KCM has operations on the Copperbelt and Central Provinces.”
Mr Banda said this initiative coming from Vedanta Resources should be supported by all stakeholders as it is aimed at developing areas where KCM has operations.
He said it is important that Zambians support investors who care for the people through the promotion of such initiatives.
Banda indicated that the reason why his organization is supporting this initiative by Vedanta is because it will be people driven and will address needy areas.
Just like the majority of citizens, Banda is happy that Vedanta Resources Ltd, a global mining giant, has invested a 20Million USD for Corporate Social Responsibility programs that will focus on key economic sectors such as Agriculture, health, sport and education.