FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURE
OCTOBER 05, 2022
FQM enhances healthcare services in Solwezi
SOLWEZI, ZAMBIA – As part of its drive to help government improve health services in Solwezi, First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has handed over the newly renovated Kainamfumu Clinic and Muzabula Clinic, as well as completing the Solwezi District Health office.
For many years local people have travelled long distances for health services; the construction of these facilities will help the people of Solwezi access health services more easily within their community.
The rehabilitation of the health centres and Solwezi Health District office is part of the global metals and mining company’s work in the communities through their health and wellness unit called ‘butuntulwanyaunda’ which means ‘community health.’
“It targets infrastructure, provision of quality equipment, outreach health services so that we may do the best we can to respond to the challenges posed by HIV, malaria, non-communicable diseases and the need to intervene in the school health services.” said Kansanshi Mining CSR Manager Victor Nsana.
A total of K887,000 was spent to aid the community with better health services. “We believe that with this kind of investment a lot shall happen which will be in support of the community,” he added.
The people of the community were urged to take health education sessions which are found at the health centre very seriously. “Kansanshi Mining helps communities build such infrastructure because a healthy community is also good for our business. The people who work on the mine come from the community. Therefore, we want to take care of the community,” Mr Nsana said.
In line with pronouncing the policy direction by President Hakainde Hichilema that every facility must run 24/7 and must have a delivery wing and running water. FQM has supported the government to help improve the livelihood of the community.
The Mayor of Solwezi Remmy Kalepa said the New Dawn government had continued to make positive moves towards the provision of quality health services to the people of Zambia. It is in this regard that Solwezi Municipal Council and Solwezi District Health office, a department under the policy of decentralisation, work hand-in-hand with First Quantum Minerals.
Mr Kalepa thanked FQM for their work: “This has greatly improved the image of the facilities and contributed to the quality of health services in the community. Through this initiative the clinics have also been equipped with new medical equipment and services have been brought closer to families through outreach services conducted together with government health workers in different communities around these health facilities.”
“Allow me to stress the New Dawn government’s commitment in partnership with stakeholders such as FQM in providing quality healthcare services in Solwezi district. The New Dawn government wishes to ensure that quality healthcare services are provided as we strive to have a healthy and productive nation,” Mr Kalepa concluded.
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About First Quantum Minerals Ltd
First Quantum Minerals Ltd is a global metals and mining company producing mainly copper, gold and zinc. The company’s assets are in Zambia, Spain, Mauritania, Australia, Finland, Turkey, Panama, Argentina and Peru.
In 2021, First Quantum globally produced 816,435 tonnes of copper, 312,492 ounces of gold and 16,818 tonnes of nickel.
In Zambia it operates the Kansanshi mine and smelter in Solwezi and the Sentinel mine in Kalumbila.
The company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
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