Kalumbila Minerals’ Trident Foundation Limited (TFL) has handed over equipment worth over ZMW 258,000 to three community groups in Musele Chiefdom. This has been done through a microfinance scheme which aims to empower local groups to start businesses through TFL’s Local Business Development Support section.
Among those that received equipment are Keriel Enterprises of Kalumbila North who received carpentry equipment worth over K67 000, the Nkundejhi Women’s Corporative in Kawelang’a which received a hammer mill worth over K63,000 and the Mukila Wantambo gardening community which received water pumps and tanks worth K128,000.
Speaking during the handover of the equipment, TFL Manager Joseph Ngwira urged the beneficiaries to take care of the equipment and maximize production in order for them to service the revolving fund in good time for other community groups to make use of the funds. Mr. Ngwira encouraged them to use their skills to empower their families and the community.
Kelson Sandala, Proprietor of Keriel Enterprises thanked Kalumbila Minerals for coming through for the local community through TFL. He pledged to work hard and ensure that the business repays the loan within the stipulated period.
Speaking during the handover, Mukila Wantambo Headman, Mr Stephen Kalenga, thanked Kalumbila Minerals for supporting the gardening project to create sustainable livelihood for households around the Mukila Wantambo community by promoting “farming as a business”. He said apart from facilitating the setting up of the irrigation system for the land on which the project is being carried out; the mine also provided training in the usage and maintenance of irrigation pumps, supplied production inputs and 16 X 5000ltr water tanks.
Trident Foundation has also linked the local businesses to a ready market through Trident Foundation. The Foundation has been supporting local business to boost business activity within the community and promoting sustainability and self-reliance.
