KCM will continue helping in the conservation of resources in line with the company’s safety, health and environmental policy. Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc and the Mwekera National Aquaculture Research and Development Centre (NARDC) have restocked the Kafue river with 20, 000 fingerlings to replenish depleted stocks.
KCM Executive Director, David Ng’andu says the company had between 2008 and this year restocked rivers on the Copperbelt with over 80, 000 fingerlings.
Speaking during the restocking programme held at the Chinfunshi Chimpanzee Orphanage Centre in Chililabombwe, Mr. Ng’andu said KCM would continue helping in the conservation of resources in line with the company’s safety, health and environmental policy.
“KCM remains committed to conserve natural resources as reflected in our environmental policy and over the years, we have demonstrated environmental stewardship through various initiatives such as this one, Mr. Ng’andu said.
Mr. Ng’andu further said the fish restocking has during the past few years become one of the important exercises by KCM to focus global attention on the environment and encourage political attention and action.
And Mwekera Principal Aquaculture Research Officer Patience Ngupeni said the institution and KCM would restock the Kafue river with at least another 20, 000 fingerlings before the end of this year to boost fish stocks.
Ms. Ngupeni said the restocking exercise would benefit the entire Copperbelt Province whose livelihood depends on the Kafue river.
“The fingerlings planted will help replenish stocks and add nutritional value to people depending on the Kafue river for survival,” she said.
And Chililabombwe District Commissioner Mr. Stephen Chishiko, who flagged off the restocking exericise, commended KCM for being a responsible corporate citizen by taking the initiative as a remedial measure after the company’s inadvertent discharge of waste into the Kafue river in 2010.
Mr. Chishiko said preserving the environment required the attention of companies and individuals.
The restocking exercise would help with the conversation of water bodies and sustenance of the farming community and sustainable livelihood programmes.
He urged KCM and its partners to continue complementing government’s efforts in sustainable development and the fight against poverty.