Solwezi Municipal Council has received a donation of 2, 838 books from Kansanshi Mine Plc.

Speaking when he received the donation, Solwezi Mayor Nicholas Mukumbi said books still remain the most popular source of information and knowledge for academics

Mr Mukumbi said despite the advent of Information Communication Technologies (ICT), the books helps to improve the reading and writing skills of people.

He said the Council is in the process of establishing a Library at the Kimasala Community Centre and planned to set up one preferably at the Civic Centre and others in each ward in order to reduce on movement of people from distant places to access books.

The Mayor encouraged members of the community to read the books once the Library is opened.

He expressed gratitude to the mining company for the gesture indicating that it will go a long way in improving the literacy levels of many in the district.

And Kansanshi Mining Plc Education Advisor Onward Mandevu said that Solwezi district and Zambia at large cannot develop with low literacy levels hence the donation of the novels, early childhood and senior school textbooks will help develop a culture of reading within the district because people that read, keep learning.

Kimasala Ward Councilor Nephan Kamwandi thanked the Council for being equal to the task by implementing provisions of the Local Government Act No. 2 of 2019 and bringing education services closer to the people as this guarantees improved literacy levels in Solwezi district.

Mr Kamwandi said the community will be enlightened about the donation and the importance of reading because this is for their benefit.

This is according to a media statement made available to The Independent Observer by Solwezi Council Assistant Public Relations Manager Esther Chirwa