MWANDI MP SEEKS CLARITY ON MINERAL REVENUE CONTRIBUTION TO NATIONAL BUDGET
By Andrew Mukoma
Mwandi Member of Parliament Iris Kaingu has called on the Ministry of Mines to clarify how much revenue the country generates from various minerals and their contribution to the national budget.
Ms Kaingu says although government projects revenue from taxes such as income tax, Value Added Tax and Pay As You Earn, there is a need for clear figures on earnings from minerals including gold, emeralds, cobalt, nickel, diamonds, manganese and coal.
Contributing to debate in Parliament, Ms Kaingu said the mining sector accounts for about 70 percent of Zambia’s exports, making it important for citizens to understand how the country’s mineral wealth contributes to national development.
In response, Mines and Minerals Minister Brenda Tambatamba acknowledged the concern, saying government would provide the requested information at a later date.
Mwandi Community Radio Station 103.5
Hon Iris Kamwi Kaingu MP