Senga Hill Member of Parliament, Henry Sikazwe, has urged government to prioritize local communities when issuing mining licenses in Senga Hill, of Northern Province, where gold deposits have recently been discovered.
Mr. Sikazwe emphasized the need to strike a balance between local residents and investors to prevent potential conflicts.
Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Sikazwe expressed concern over reports of unauthorized miners invading the area, some allegedly armed, creating a security risk for local people.
“It is unfortunate that outsiders are now terrorizing the area with firearms and this poses a serious danger to the community,” said Mr. Sikazwe.
He further called for the promotion of safe mining practices among locals, stressing the importance of modern, regulated methods to avoid accidents and protect lives.
“Miners should use approved and modern techniques to ensure safety at the gold deposit sites,” said Mr. Sikazwe.
Angel Kasabo
