Govt acts to settle Kalumbila land titles
Residents of Kalumbila can look forward to owning their own homes thanks to efforts by the Government to speed up the issue of leasehold land titles in the town.
Grant of title will give Zambian people the confidence to buy their own houses and enable them to obtain bank loans secured on the title deeds as collateral.
Speaking during a visit to First Quantum Minerals’ (FQM) Sentinel Mine and neighbouring Kalumbila Town, the Minister of Lands, Hon Jean Kapata, and the Minister of Local Government, Hon Vincent Mwale, made assurances that the Government was working to issue land titles in order help grow the town and encourage continued investment and so diversify the local economy away from its dependence on copper.
The ministers, accompanied by Commissioner of Lands Wilfred Muma and Assistant Surveyor General Charles Pole, visited the mine pit and processing plant as well as some of the community development projects undertaken by the company’s Trident Foundation.
They also toured Kalumbila Town, where the company has built 1,200 houses for both employees and the wider community, and is now awaiting issue of title deeds for residents.
Of the 8,000 plots surveyed in the town, just eight have so far been given title deeds.
The ministers also toured the industrial park under construction in the expectation of the area being designated as a Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ); Kalumbila MFEZ has waited five years for endorsement.
FQM has received interest in the MFEZ from additional investors with business pledges totalling in excess of US$100 million. Work has started on the US$40 million mill ball plant under a joint venture with Elecmetal of Chile, and operations are underway at the BIA Zambia equipment company.
The ministers also met with Senior Chief Musele to better understand issues surrounding delays in issue of land titles, which were first applied for in 2011.
Once title is granted on the 385 square kilometre mine site the company will be able to pay land rates to Kalumbila District Council.
Mrs Kapata said: “Government loses a lot of ground rent and council property rates. Kalumbila is a very viable project and a great success. It’s a huge investment and if title is granted the whole of North-Western Province will benefit from the money coming through.”
Mr Mwale said: “This is a success story of how a mine can contribute to the growth of the economy and with the money we get we pay teachers, nurses and others. The whole country is relying on what is happening here. The mine has a life of 20 years; they are attracting people to come here, and we know that jobs will be created and tax paid that will benefit the whole country. This is a matter of national interest.”
FQM head of government affairs John Gladston thanked the ministers for their visit and reiterated the company’s commitment to transparent, open dialogue with all stakeholders.
Trident Foundation manager Garth Lappeman explained how the company had pledged a minimum of K10 million per year for community development projects, and had so far spent significantly more than that.
“I challenge anyone to find a mining company that exceeds our contributions. We feel a very strong sense of obligation. We are a subsidiary of an international company and we are committed to delivering real development to the community,” he said.