By Brenda Nkosi:
President Peter Mutharika has expressed optimism that the country stands to significantly benefit from mining sites discovered at Kasiya and Kangankude.
Mutharika said this on Tuesday at Sanjika Palace after the swearing in of the Second Vice President Enock Chihana, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Water Development, Roza Fatch Mbilizi, and Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism, George Patridge.
The President said if the mining proceeds from the two sites would be managed properly, the country would be generating around $500 million every year.
“I will not allow exportation of raw materials from our mines. Raw materials have to be processed here. Those involved in illegal mining or abuse, your days are numbered,” he said.
Mutharika further advised the newly sworn in Ministers to be vigilant and help government deliver to its people.
“The oath you have taken today is a solemn commitment to the people of this country that you will serve them. It is not about oneself. It’s old fashion to eat at the expense of the people we are supposed to serve,” he said.
In an interview, Patridge said he was honoured to be appointed as a Minister and promised to transform the country through his sector.
“My first assignment is to make sure that the business environment is right for business to thrive. Once we produce, as emphasized by the President, most of these problems will be solved,” he said.
The oath of office by Chihana was administered by the Deputy Chief Justice, Lovemore Chikopa, while the Chief Registrar of the High Court, Innocent Nebi, administered to the two Ministers.
