A Nega-Nega based Economist in Chikankata district in Southern Province has applauded government for reiterating its resolve to ensuring that jobs of Zambians at Kalumbila and Kansanshi Mines in North-Western Province are protected.
Prof. Clement Matente has also praised the Ministry of Labor which he said has constituted an inter-ministerial committee to investigate the alleged job cuts at the two mines following the new tax regime contained in the 2019 National Budget.
Speaking during an interview with ZANIS in Chikankata district yesterday, Prof. Matente noted that it is good to learn that a team has been deployed since Monday last week to hold meetings with Kansanshi and Kalumbila mines in Solwezi and Kalumbila districts respectively.
He has further encouraged the team to continue seeking justification from the mines on their proposed job cuts by proving that the new taxes will have a negative economic impact on their operations.
Prof. Matente also appealed to the workers at the two mines to remain calm as government holds meetings with their employers.
Kansanshi and Kalumbila mines have proposed to lay-off a total of over 5,700 workers saying the newly introduced mineral royalties and sales tax will affect their operations.
However, Mines Minister, Richard Musukwa has stated that the audit will enable government to verify the claims mining companies are advancing in view of the changes to the mine tax regime.
Who said the jobs are already protected? When govt says we investigate to see if there is justification doesnt mean there will be no job loses…get it clearly
Most disappointing is to see Zambian managers are in the forefront in giving false information. Previously government just sat back without proving that the reasons given by companies were genuine.