Opposition backs KCM

.... workers should not fear out sourcing

KCM should consider subcontracting Zambian companies that can take up some of the workforce as it strategieses to use contractors to assist in increasing copper production to 400,000 tonnes per year, people’s party president Mike Mulongoti has said.

KCM announced that it intends to engage contractors as it plans to invest $1 billion dollars in its operations to increase copper production from 150,000 tonnes to 400,000 tonnes per year.

And Mr Mulongoti said that workers at the mining giant should not live in fear of losing their jobs as outsourcing did not necessarily require replacement of manpower.

Mr Mulongoti said that KCM should consider engaging local contractors so that Zambian companies could also benefit from copper production.

He said that outsourcing was a strategy that was not new in the mining sector, as companies expand in terms of production.

Mr Mulongoti said that the strategy if rightly handled was workable and would assist in relieving KCM of administrative pressure.

He said that the expansion of KCM would positively contribute to the country’s economy hence there was nothing wrong in subcontracting a company to perform functions that would originally have been performed by KCM.

“Really there is nothing wrong with outsourcing if rightly handled, and I believe unlike losing jobs this method can create employment, because the contractor will create jobs and also relieve KCM of pressure, it is nothing new,” he said.

The opposition leader however advised the Ministry of Mines to ensure that workers at the mining firm do not lose their jobs and are paid their benefits.

Mr Mulongoti encouraged Zambian contractors to up their game and get involved in copper production as the money would remain in the country.