KCM has a monthly bill of around US$4 million for various goods and services but has not been paying its suppliers and contractors for sometime.
On Tuesday, Mr Lusambo addressed a media briefing in Ndola and directed mining companies to ensure that local contractors and suppliers are paid on time.
Mr Lusambo said there is no reason why mine Suppliers and Contractors should be struggling to get their payments for their services when international Copper prices have been on the rise.
The Copperbelt Minister also condemned the practice by some mining companies to have their procurement departments operating outside the country.
Mine Suppliers and Contractors Association of Zambia President Augustine Mulenga confirmed in an interview in Kitwe that KCM has positively responded to the directive by Mr Lusambo to clear the debt owed to Association members.
Mr Mulenga said his members welcome the move by KCM and commend Mr Lusambo for the intervention which he said is timely.
“This should be a normal business for these mines. Our members supply a service and they expect to be paid. We are happy that Mr Lusambo has shown that concern which is expected from government officials over our plight. This is commendable,” he said.
He said mine Suppliers and Contractors play a critical role in the economic development of the Copperbelt adding that his Association is hopeful that other mining firms will heed the call by Mr Lusambo.
Mr Mulenga said delays in paying out monies owed to local contractors and suppliers has the potential to strangle the economic viability of the province and increase tax liabilities of mine Suppliers and Contractors.
“For us, our invoicing is usually 30 days and if we are not paid within that period, it creates a lot of problems for us with ZRA. Our hope is that what KCM has started become the norm and other companies emulate this spirit,” Mr Mulenga said.
KCM stopped paying suppliers bcoz PF regime does not pay suppliers & contractors.
When Govt pays civil servants well & on time, all private companies follow suit as they’ll say “there’s no way my workers will get less than a teacher”. More money in circulation boosts consumer confidence index. Even the man who repairs shoes by the corner will have something in his pocket.
With sloppy PF not paying on time, most contractors have abandoned site. This has negatively affected the economy.
Twalya again!!
Money in our pockets indeed. Now lets plan ahead so, what next guys, more Range Rovers or something else?
So what if we buy Range Rovers is it your money?This is the thinking of Zambians if you see your friend with a nice car it hates you. A real businessman will plan well and those who fall off line is there problem. Player hating just get yours too if at all you can afford which I doubt with the kind of thinking. Even your Chinese friends don’t come with cars here but they buying the same cars you talking about. Mr minister well done ,next move in and push the government to do the same. Well done .
You mean it clears the bill to PF cadres!!