Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has launched a 15.1kilometre (km) township road rehabilitation project in Chililabombwe, Chingola and Shibuyunji districts valued at US$8.1million under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme whose main aim is to improve local infrastructure and stimulate economic development.

Of the 15.1km to rehabilitated, 3.9km will be Chililabombwe, 4.4km in Chingola and 7.1km in Shibuyunji. Key Roads include Chililabombwe – Kamenza Way and Konkola Road, Chingola – 3rd, 4th and 5th Streets and George Ngoma Roads while Nampundwe will be Off Farmers Road.

Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Charles Milupi who officially launched the project at a ground-breaking ceremony on Saturday in Chililabombwe praised KCM, its parent company Vedanta Resources, the Government of Zambia, and other stakeholders for their commitment to enhancing community livelihoods.

Mr. Milupi emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in driving infrastructure development, citing the collaboration between KCM and the government as one of the positive partnerships that is beneficial to communities and the country at large.

“This partnership with Konkola Copper Mines is one such example of private partnership in
improving public infrastructure through road networks,” he said. “We recognize the challenges that come with this mandate and therefore require collaboration from all stakeholders to achieve the standards we desire. I urge other private sector players to emulate KCM’s gesture and help rehabilitate community roads in their areas of operation,” he further stated.

Chililabombwe area Member of Parliament who is also Mines Minister, Hon. Paul Kabuswe
said at the same function that Vedanta and KCM will shame critics by fulfilling promises made in the shareholders’ agreement such as increased funding to community projects and ramping production.

Meanwhile, KCM COO Malcolm Mewett highlighted that the road rehabilitation initiative will address critical infrastructure needs while emphasizing that good roads are essential for economic growth and community connection.

“Today’s ground-breaking ceremony marks our largest single investment so far in uplifting the standard of living in KCM operational areas. This is part of our broader commitment to invest $20 million annually into communities for the direct benefit of the local population. He said. “We are grateful for the support we continue to receive from the Government of the Republic of Zambia, and to His Excellency the President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, in delivering community development where it matters most.”

And KCM Community Development Trust Board Chairperson Ms. Chearyp Sokoni the launched initiative is a flagship project which lays the groundwork for others in the future, including building education facilities and upgrading the Trades Training Centre in Kitwe.