Africa-Press – Zambia. Luapula Members of Parliament have demanded that the main masterminds behind the Sugilite Syndicate be revealed. Yesterday, President Hakainde Hichilema fired Deputy Permanent Secretary for Luapula and five District commissioners over their alleged involvement in the sugilite scandal.
Addressing the media yesterday, Bahati Member of Parliament Leevan Chibombwe said Luapula Province is under siege.
Hon Chibombwe said Mansa has been taken over by UPND cadres who are after the mineral Sugilite. He alleged that the main dealers in the sell of the sugilite are Government officials.
He said the people are being beaten by UPND cadres from elsewhere and not luapula just because of the gemstone
“They are selling it at 5000 kwacha per killo, 50,000 per tonne when the international market price is 5 million dollars per tonne,” he said
Meanwhile, Pambashe Member of Parliament Ronald Chitotela said the country has about 49 million dollars from the ten tonnes of Sugilite that has allegedly been stolen. And Milenge member of Parliament Chonde Saka said it is sad that Luapula Province is one of the poorest in Zambia yet it has precious minerals.
“We do not want to kmport the problem that was in Black Mountain to bring it to Luapula. Government must provide direction. What is happening there is a syndicated crime perpetuated by the Government. The area is heavily guarded. If you go to the Road that leads to Muombe, it is a sorry sight. This cannot continue. This is misuse,” he said.
Speaking at the Same briefing, Chiengi MP Given Katuta Mwelwa said it is foolishness to get millions of dollars build structures elsewhere and not develop an area where the mineral is being gotten from. In addition, Chembe MP Cliff Mpundu said people of Luapula are very anxious to start benefiting from the mine.
“Government must operationally, nationalise or give it to an investor. What people of Chambe are demanding is that Government must ensure the mine starts operating. The harvest from the mine should start benefiting the people of Chembe and Luapula Province,” he said.
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