Maravi

MP Kambwili refutes govt claims over ex-RAMCOZ workers' pension

MP Kambwili refutes govt claims over ex-RAMCOZ workers' pension
By Namakau Nalumango
Friday April 11, 2008 [04:00]

ROAN PF member of parliament Chishimba Kambwili yesterday refuted claims by the government that it had released about K5 billion to pay former Roan Antelope Mining Corporation (RAMCOZ) workers their Mukuba Pension contribution funds. Kambwili said that the money that was due to be paid to the workers was instead sourced by Mukuba Pension and not the government.

He explained that as area member of parliament, he wrote to President Mwanawasa requesting him to intervene in the matter of paying the former workers.

Kambwili said President Mwanawasa through the Secretary to the Cabinet acknowledged that the issue be dealt with expeditiously.

“And based on the letter, there was an understanding that while the government is looking for the money, Mukuba was to find the money to pay the workers, which is exactly what they have done. In short, government has not realised the money up to now,” he said.

Kambwili has since appealed to the government to honour its obligation of coming up with the money to repay Mukuba pension.
On Thursday, Luanshya district commissioner George Kapu said that the government had released close to K5 billion to pay former RAMCOZ workers their Mukuba Pension contribution funds.

“Yes I can confirm that funds have been released and former miners are expected to start getting their money through Zambia National Commercial Bank this week," he said.

Kapu said about 1000 miners were likely to receive their money and advised them to put the funds to good use for the benefit of their families.

Labels: CHISHIMBA KAMBWILI, LABOUR, RAMCOZ

posted by MrK @ 3:27 AM