MORE MINE WORKERS LIKELY TO LOOSE JOBS AT KCM
…if not checked, will result in high poverty levels and the rise in criminal activities, observes a Kitwe based clergyman
By Correspondent
A Kitwe based clergyman says more contractors and suppliers at Konkola Copper Mines Plc are likely to fire more of their workers following the termination of employment contracts for over 300 workers by Master Mine Service Ltd.
Pastor Charles Chilenshya of Christ my Life Ministries says when more people loose their jobs, the result will be high poverty levels as well as the rise in criminal activities.
Pastor Chilenshya has since called on President Hakainde Hichilema to ensure that Konkola Copper Mines Plc become operational come next month.
He says a lot of people on the Copperbelt are frustrated and tired of waiting for the reopening of KCM.
Pastor Chilenshya said the termination of over 300 employment contract for workers contracted by KCM Master Mine Service Ltd, makes sad reading.
He has emphasized that the government of President Hakainde Hichilema should ensure that immediately after the creditors meeting, he should handover the asset back to Vedanta Resources.
“The major contractor of KCM Master Mine Service has finally terminated the employment contracts of over 250 of their workers and if the situation doesn’t improve are likely to give a boot to more of their employees. This is because of the non receipt of their payments from the financially struggling KCM whose investor is Vedanta Resources,” he said.
“Most of the contractors and suppliers are likely to boot their workers meaning more families are likely to suffer. You know that already the economy is biting, the prices of commodities are on high side. We are now praying and still appealing to His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema that he will look into the affairs of the contractors and suppliers by unlocking KCM and can conclude the transition process.”
He added that Vedanta Resources Corporate Communications Director Masuzyo Ndhlovu did highlight that the investor has the financial muscle and technical capacity to run the mine which gives confidence that things will be well at the mine.
He feared that the rate at which jobs are being lost at KCM is scaring and the people are likely to see high cases of criminality on the Copperbelt.