President Hichilema Promises Revival of Chambishi metals

CHAMBISHI – President Hakainde Hichilema, leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND), has made a fervent appeal to the electorate in Chambishi, urging them to cast their votes for the ruling party in the general elections scheduled for August 13th. The President's call is strategically linked to a promise of revitalizing Chambishi Metals, a key industrial asset in the Copperbelt region, with the explicit aim of generating much-needed employment opportunities for local residents. Chambishi, a town deeply rooted in Zambia's rich mining history, has long been synonymous with copper and cobalt production. Chambishi Metals Plc, a significant player in the sector, has faced periods of operational challenges, including being placed under care and maintenance due to various factors such as low commodity prices and feedstock shortages. The President's pledge to revive the facility resonates deeply within a community that has historically relied on the mining industry for its economic sustenance. Such promises are particularly potent in the Copperbelt, where the fortunes of many towns are inextricably linked to the health of their mines. This electoral promise is not an isolated one but forms part of the UPND government's broader economic agenda, which prioritizes the revival of the mining sector across the Copperbelt. President Hichilema has previously highlighted efforts to restore other key mining operations, such as Shaft 28 in Luanshya, and has expressed confidence in his administration's ability to bring the mining sector back to its robust state of the 1980s. The government's strategy includes seeking suitable investors and addressing operational hurdles to ensure sustainable production and job creation, aligning with the UPND's manifesto which emphasizes job creation and economic growth through strategic sector development. The upcoming August 13th general elections are poised to be a critical juncture for Zambia, with President Hichilema seeking a