OVER 80 PERCENT OF WORKERS IN MANGANESE MINES IN CENTRAL PROVINCE ON VERGE OF LOSING THEIR JOBS
By Chileshe Mwango
Over 80 percent of workers in manganese mines located in Serenje District of Central Province are on the verge of losing their jobs following the ongoing load-shedding which has seen reduced production by over 50 percent.
Mine contractors, Factories and Allied Workers Union of Zambia President Nkweto Kasonka has confirmed receiving the notification from the mines on the pending laying off of workers.
Mr. Kasonka explains to Phoenix News that the mine companies have indicated to the union that they will be unable to keep all the workers as manganese smelters will shut down all manganese smelting plants and suspend operations on their furnace units.
The Union President is concerned that although justifiable, this decision will result in increased poverty levels among affected employees.
In a letter to the Serenje District Commissioner, recently, the Ferro Alloys Association of Zambia asked for the government’s intervention after power utility Zesco informed them of a complete cut of power supply to the mines.
PHOENIX NEWS
