Zambia's leading copper producer, Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), will finance a 10-day exercise to fit artificial limbs to those who have had their legs amputated, local media reported Monday.

"KCM decided to embark on this project as part of its community social responsibility to offer free artificial limbs to people who have had legs amputated to enable them lead a purposeful life and reach their full potential and contribute to national development, " KCM vice president Augustine Seyuba was quoted by local newspaper Times of Zambia as saying.

The company will provide financial aid to 120 people in capital Lusaka and industrial city Ndola in Copperbelt province who will accept the donated artificial limbs, according to the report.

Two fitting camps were set up in the two cities and the 120 beneficiaries would be given training on how to use the artificial legs.

The limbs are supplied by KCM in partnership with its equity partner, Vedanta Resources and Jaipur Foot Project of India.

Seyuba said natural and man-made calamities, polio and accidents had largely contributed to the footless community in the country and those affected became less productive and heavily dependent on well-wishers for goods, shelter and medical care.

"The artificial legs will enable the users to walk on their own feet and lead a purposeful life with confidence," he said.

Source: Xinhua