GOVERNMENT will protect the jobs in the mining sector through interventions such as providing an environment that promotes investment and predictability.
According to the proposed 2016-2018 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the 2016 Budget paper issued on Sunday by Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba, Government would continue to promote investments by providing a predictable, consistent and stable environment.
This, Mr Yamba said, would protect and secure the many jobs created by the sector.
“In addition, the operationalization of the revised mining law to streamline issuance of mining licences, establishment of a tribunal and promotion of local content will enhance development in the sector,” Mr Yamba said.
He said the mining sector was earmarked for growth because copper output is projected to increase from 741,916 metric tonnes this year to 916,767 metric tonnes in 2018 largely on account of the improved output at Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi due to the new smelter.
Production at Konkola Copper Mines is also projected to increase because of the Konkola Deep Mining Project which is due to start operating soon.
The development of Kalumbila and Chambeshi West Ore would also spur growth in the mining sector.
Mr Yamba said the mining and quarrying sector is set to benefit from the mineral diversification by enhancing production of minerals such as nickel, gold, iron, manganese and uranium.
Meanwhile, the Civil Servants Union of Zambia (CSUZ) has said it is happy that the proposed budget guaranteed the creation of new jobs and increased salaries in 2016.
CSUZ secretary general Joy Beene said in an interview yesterday that the civil servants were happy the wage and employment freeze have been lifted.
He said the proposals to create more jobs and increase salaries were in line with the Patriotic Front manifesto to give youths jobs and give people more money in their pockets.
“Finally the PF are doing as they promised. To put more money in people’s pockets by creating jobs in the public sector which will obviously be taken up by youths,” Mr Beene said.
He urged Government to deliver on its proposals because it was the largest employer that needed to suck in people that graduated year after year.
How I wish I can wake up to a day when the politicians and their representatives can say and walk the talk.