Maravi

Govt tells mines to give Zambians priority on jobs

Govt tells mines to give Zambians priority on jobs
By Misheck Wangwe
Sat 28 Apr. 2012, 15:30 CAT

MINES deputy minister Richard Musukwa says the PF government will not tolerate fictitious expatriates who are in the country to work in mines. And Musukwa says the previous MMD government refused to deliver infrastructure development to the Copperbelt simply because it was a PF stronghold.

In an interview after touring mines on the Copperbelt, Musukwa said the PF government expected mining houses to create jobs for many unemployed Zambians and not expatriates.

He said the Ministry of Mines would closely work with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Labour in evaluating foreigners who were in the country under the pretext of expatriate work. only in areas where the country needs proficiency," Musukwa said.

"This country is endowed with highly competent Zambians who are capable of running and managing the mining sector at various levels. We don't need to import our experts. Majority of the jobs must be occupied by the Zambians and

He said while massive investments in the mining operations were greatly appreciated by the government and the people, Zambians were keenly interested in employment and business opportunities through supply directly or indirectly and not mere figures.

And Musukwa said the government would channel more funds towards infrastructure development on the Copperbelt in line with the resources generated from the province.

He said the massive investment in mining, coupled with high copper prices being enjoyed should translate into better conditions of living and general development for the people in mining towns.

"Everything has gone down on the Copperbelt and we are taking corrective measures as a government, to restore the pride of this province. The reason for the current situation is simple; most of the constituencies were largely held by PF parliamentarians and as a hit back, they (MMD) never brought development," Musukwa said.

He said the Copperbelt contributed a larger percentage of resources and it did not make sense for the backbone of the Zambian economy to remain behind in terms of development.

Musukwa said sustainable development in the country could only be achieved if all stakeholders worked together with the government to end poverty and foster much-needed infrastructure development.

Labels: LABOUR, MINING, TAXATION, WINDFALL TAX

posted by MrK @ 4:34 PM