No Intensions to Ban Scrap Metal Dealers from Dealing in Copper by Government

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry says government has no intensions to ban scrap metal dealers from dealing in copper, as a way of averting vandalism of ZESCO cables.

Speaking in Parliament during the question for oral answer session, Chipoka Mulenga says the sub-sector contributes to the growth of the Zambia’s manufacturing industry and also helps promote the recycling of scrap metals.

Mr. Mulenga notes that banning scrap metal dealers from dealing in copper will decrease growth of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who are the majority of the dealers.

He adds that in view of the rampant vandalism of ZESCO installations, government through the power utility company is shifting from using copper electricity cables, to aluminium which has low value to the scrap metal dealers.

Mr. Mulenga was responding to Kwacha Member of Parliament, Charles Mulenga who wanted to find out whether government has plans to ban scrap metal dealers from dealing in copper, in order to avert vandalism of ZESCO installations and thefts from copper mining companies.