Mundubile Promises to Redirect ZNS from Gold Mining Operations to Infrastructure Development

NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile has unveiled a significant policy proposal, vowing to redirect the Zambia National Service (ZNS) from its current engagement in gold mining activities towards a renewed focus on national infrastructure development. Speaking at a recent campaign event, Mundubile articulated a vision where the ZNS, renowned for its discipline and logistical prowess, would become a central pillar in the country's efforts to build and maintain essential public infrastructure. The ZNS, traditionally mandated with national security, youth skills training, and agricultural production, has in recent years expanded its operations to include commercial ventures, notably in mining. This expansion, particularly into gold mining, has drawn both praise for its potential revenue generation and criticism regarding its core mandate and efficiency. Mundubile's pledge seeks to recalibrate the ZNS's role, arguing that its resources and personnel are better suited to address Zambia's pressing infrastructure deficit, which remains a significant barrier to economic growth and rural development. Under Mundubile's proposed framework, the ZNS would be tasked with constructing and rehabilitating roads, bridges, schools, health centres, and other vital public amenities, especially in remote and underserved areas. This strategic shift is predicated on the belief that the ZNS possesses the necessary manpower, equipment, and organizational structure to execute large-scale projects more cost-effectively and efficiently than private contractors, thereby saving public funds and accelerating development timelines. The candidate highlighted that such a move would also provide valuable vocational training and employment opportunities for ZNS recruits, aligning with their skills development mandate. Critics of the ZNS's involvement in commercial mining have often pointed to concerns about transparency, environmental impact, and potential conflicts of interest. Mundubile's