The Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) says it has taken note and is concerned of the impending impasse between the Zambian Government and the mining companies in the country over the newly introduced Sales Tax regime.
In a statement issued to the media, Boniface Cheembe, the centre’s Executive Director said the impasse between Government and mining companies requires a genuine dialogue on the part of the two stakeholders.
Cheembe explained that his organisation is of the view that Government and mining companies are stakeholders that are key to the citizens of the country as well as the economic well-being and development of the nation hence the need to resolve the impasse quickly.
“Therefore, this impasse in terms of making progress requires a genuine dialogue on the part of the two stakeholders. This genuine dialogue must be in the interest of the Government, citizens of the country, and the mining companies in terms of producing win-win outcomes.
“Zambia’s mining towns are poorly developed and there have been concerns that the ordinary citizens are getting a raw deal and that there seems to be a lack of transparency and accountability in the benefits of natural resources of citizens in the mining towns and generally the country as a whole. This has prompted the Government to introduce the Sales Tax as a way of recovering adequate revenue from the mining companies. If the issue is that there was inadequate consultation on the part of the Government with the mining companies, a dialogue process can be able to address this matter. What matters is that through this dialogue process a win-win solution is realized,” he said.
He said the country and the citizens are in desperate need to see development in most hence need to find a solution that benefits not only the companies but ensures that citizens get the best deal.
“The Government must create a conducive environment for business and the citizens must be able to benefit from the proceeds of the business. SACCORD therefore appeals to the Government to consider sitting on the table with the mining companies for a win-win solution so that we increase on transparency and accountability in the natural resources of the country for the benefit of the people.
“Furthermore, the dialogue will assist in allaying on the part of the employees that they may either have jobs or not which is a source of psychological trauma and ultimately conflict,” he said.
That is mature tone we expected from main opposition leader. Even small boys surpass him.
. No wonder he was locked up at chimbokaila for calling the head of state ati Chimbwi no plan
Will he ever grow up
Re-inventing historical facts? Do the Nation favor, commit suicide.
Talks about what? Talk will just create the same outcome no tax to pay for them…they continue enjoying whilst employing tax aviodance schemes in everything.
Dialogue for what, there is no time for dialogue with the mines. When the mines are enjoying more profits do they call for dialogue.. capitalist will never accept that they are making profits…
We are used to retrenchments, it’s not the first time this will happen our country, we will get used to it…. the fact is it’s not that the PF whats to benefit from the new taxes, even when the opposition come in power, they will find the law operating….
Let the mines just obey. those that don’t want to obey, let them pack and go….the system will always balance itself….China is just around the corner waiting to take over …Kikikikiki….Believe me no mine will pack and go they will obliged to the law, and they ‘re- employe back the citizens. Let’s not worry about retrenchment,…
…….but be positive on the benefits of the new taxes on citizens….
GOVERNMENT should also look into the issue of expatriates in the mines….ECL is working, started soft in the past years and now he is hard like a coconut. He won’t reverse the new taxes. One can’t imagine how much the mines would have tried to corrupt him, and he is still Bold….showing corruption free.
Corruption free? You are either under influence or plainly 100% liar.