Illegal mining on rise in Luano

Government has expressed concern at the rampant illegal mining activities taking place in Luano district.

Luano District Commissioner Luka  Mwamba said that foreign miners, mostly South Africans, have invaded the district to illegally mine gold, manganese, copper and zinc among other minerals.

Mr. Mwamba said that government was losing a lot of revenue through such illegal activities saying that there was need for the ministry of Mines to quickly intervene in the matter before the situation worsens.

He further explained that Luano district was in need of revenue from resources such as mining  in order to develop infrastructure such as roads  ,hospitals , schools  and street lights.

He observed that the recent influx of foreigners in illegal mining activities was worrisome adding that the situation deserved urgent attention.

Mr. Mwamba said Chembe, Chikupili and Mboroma were the most affected chiefdoms .

He therefore called for genuine investors with proper documentation to explore the mining potential in Luano.

Meanwhile, Mr Mwamba  has appealed to the Tourism Ministry to improve  the capacity of the Zambia Wild Life Authorities(ZAWA) Office in the district .

Mr. Mwamba said that the ZAWA department was facing a number of limitations such staffing, transport and inadequate equipment.

He said that the six  officers were are not enough to manage Luano saying the district was  vast with challenging terrains such as the valleys.

He pointed out that poaching had escalated after the killing of the notorious Mailoni Brothers mid last year.

The DC said animals such as Kudus and Impalas were the most poached .

He  also disclosed that he would meet ZAWA officers to discuss measures aimed at cropping the crocodile population in the district as the reptiles were terrorizing villagers along the Lusemfwa and Mkushi rivers.