Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, has officially handed over the Water Reticulation System and 40 heifers to Nampundwe Community in Shibuyunji District.

KCM Chief Operating Officer, Malcolm Mewett said at the handover ceremony held in Nampundwe, that the Integrated Sustainable Livelihoods Project (ISLP), to be executive in a period of over five years in partnership with Village Water Zambia, aims at contributing to poverty reduction around the KCM mining areas by enhancing production and productivity of communities in four target districts of Chingola, Chililabombwe, Kitwe and Shibuyunji, with focus on livestock production, agriculture production, gardening, provision of clean and safe water, and sanitation facilities.

“As KCM, we are proud to announce that we have started rolling out 22 water reticulation systems across the districts, and in Shibuyunji alone, we have drilled and equipped a commercial solar water borehole with 30,000 litre capacities at $39,800 to service 5,015 people, and also we have rehabilitated 20 non-functional boreholes benefiting 5,651 people,” Mr. Mewett said.He said the projects target an estimated 18,610 people, particularly women, children, the elderly, and the poorest of the of the poor families living in the mentioned districts.

Central Province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa, expressed his gratitude to KCM and its investor, Vedanta Resources Limited for the gesture rendered to the Nampundwe community and other districts, stating that water supply and sanitation services remain top priorities on the Government’s development agenda, urging others to emulated. “Water plays a critical role in the socio-economic development of our beloved country, contributing to sustainable growth and poverty reduction, and this handover aligns perfectly well with our national Vision 2030, which prioritises universal access to clean and safe water and adequate sanitation services,” Hon. Nkulukusa said.

The minister also said the donation of 40 heifers by KCM to a cooperative, under the pass-on system shows the sustainability aspect of the project which is a commendable job as livestock is key in community income generation and poverty eradication. And Mwembeshi Constituency Member of Parliament, Jamba Machila praised KCM for its initiative to support communities with clean water and women’s empowerment, describing the projects as key to promoting dignity, health and present various opportunities to the people of Shibuyunji District.