Emerald and Semi Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia – ESMAZ- has charged that government has not given a lot of attention to small scale mining in country.

ESMAZ president Victor Kalesha says this is evidenced from the less progress the sector has recorded in the recent past.

Mr Kaleshe has since appealed to President Lungu to introduce a desk specifically for small scale miners at the ministry of mines.

He has further advised President Edgar Lungu to be mindful of non performing government leaders in his government because they are not helping in his zeal to bring development to the nation.

He says the country needs serious development, and for it to be attained leaders in the country need to be committed by putting the interest of Zambians first.

Mr Kalwsha laments that most of the ministers and many other senior government officials in the country are only good at reading written speeches which they do not even implement or follow up.

He says the association is optimistic that Zambia can develop further if entrusted government officials become more proactive by bringing developmental ideas to the fore.