Grizzly constructs classroom at cost of K6.5m
GRIZZLY Mining Company has spent K6. 5 million to construct a 1x 4 classroom block in Chief Lumpuma"s area through corporate social responsibility (CSR).
The giant emerald mining company has done a number of projects under its CSR which include schools, clinics and donating vehicles to Zambia Police for to improve mobility for officers.
Grizzly Mining Company Chief Human Resources Manager, David Phiri said, the company's CSR was aimed supplementing government’s efforts in the provision of adequate infrastructure and other areas that would help improve people's lives.
Mr Phiri was speaking when he handed over a school project to Lumpuma day secondary school in Lufwanyama district.
"In an effort to supplement government’s efforts in improving the education sector by providing adequate infrastructure especially with the introduction of the free education policy, Grizzly Mining Company decided to construct a 1x4 classroom block which was also equipped with desks and computers, putting up of borehole as well as construction of two ablution blocks"Mr Phiri said.
He said it was imperative that the private sector continue to work with the government in improving key economic sectors such as the education, health among others in a bid to foster national development.
Mr Phiri said the mining firm remains committed in working closely with the government and traditional leaders in Lufwanyama district to work on community projects.
And Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo in a speech read on his behalf by Lufwanyama District Commissioner Justine Mwalikwa said, the government was committed to work with various stakeholders in enhancing the education sector.
He said the introduction of the free education policy had come with challenges such as classroom space but that the government through the increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) had been constructing classroom blocks .
Mr Matambo said stakeholders should not only wait for the government to provide a service through CDF but should emulate Grizzly mine who had moved in to construct a school.
And Chief Lumpuma commended the mining firm for the gesture.
"I am happy with this project that has been undertaken in my chiefdom,we need more of such from mining companies operating here in Lufwanyama district as you have seen under the education sector many schools are lacking enough space as a result of the free education policy but the government has been on course through CDF to build more,"he said.